As the design industry grapples with the aftermath of widespread layoffs and a challenging job market, there’s a pressing need to address the experiences, insights, and concerns of designers and researchers. Join our group of diverse, industry leading designers and researchers as they share their journeys, lessons learned, and advice for navigating these turbulent times in the product industry.
We’ll also talk about the work they do; the industries they’re in; their day to day; the critical need for diversity and inclusion; and what keeps them going. These are people who are doing the work; pushing pixels; interviewing; launching. Join and connect with the folks doing the work and navigating the market every day.
An hour long, virtual panel. The audience will be able to submit questions throughout that will be addressed in the second half of the discussion.
Moderator: Mariam Khan is a seasoned product and design leader with over 16 years of experience. Passionate about mission-driven work, Mariam champions people-first approaches and has a proven track record of delivering next-gen products across all company stages. Dedicated to fostering growth and innovation within the design community, she also serves as a mentor and advisor, supporting startups and nonprofits in scaling teams and finding product-market fit, while fostering professional growth along the way.
Jason Branch is a designer, creator and storyteller with over ten years of experience designing for financial inclusion and economic empowerment . As a senior product designer at Square he leads design for debit/credit card and trust experiences.
Connie Wong is a Full-Stack Product Designer and Design Leader with 25 years of experience in Design and Tech in Silicon Valley, from Dot.com to Web3. She has launched award-winning products and applications used by millions and has led design teams at all stages of company growth along with running her own design studio. Trained by Nielsen-Norman Group, she’s an advocate for intuitive design processes. An artist and creator by nature, she is also a world-renowned Electronic Dance Music DJ and producer.
Sarah Fathallah is a designer, researcher, and educator, who specializes in applying participatory research and design in the social sector. Their work has included projects in over 25 countries with nonprofits, governments, and social enterprises such as the International Domestic Workers Federation and the International Rescue Committee, on topics ranging from labor rights, to reproductive health, housing justice, and foster care. Drawing from this body of work, they write and speak about engaging vulnerable communities, design ethics, trauma-responsive approaches to design, and the need for an ethic of care and an abolitionist politic in design. In addition to their research and design practice, Sarah also currently serves as faculty at the California College of the Arts and Pratt Institute.