Darren Hood (KaizenUX and Host of The World of UX podcast)
@darrenhood.bsky.social
BiPOC UX professional of 30+ years | University Professor | Podcaster (The World of UX) | Author | Photographer
Ever had trouble defining UX? Confused by all the definitions you've heard? You're not alone. In this episode, Darren demystifies the definition of UX, provides some key insights, and explains why the ability to properly define UX is critical to the discipline.
youtu.be/qcIxGrXc4Us?...
youtu.be/qcIxGrXc4Us?...
The World of UX, Episode 290: Overcoming the Ambiguity of Defining UX
YouTube video by KaizenUX (formerly known as UX Uncensored)
youtu.be
December 3, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Ever had trouble defining UX? Confused by all the definitions you've heard? You're not alone. In this episode, Darren demystifies the definition of UX, provides some key insights, and explains why the ability to properly define UX is critical to the discipline.
youtu.be/qcIxGrXc4Us?...
youtu.be/qcIxGrXc4Us?...
Always nice to be understood and appreciated. Check our Trevor's list.
trevorcalabro.substack.com/p/top-10-ux-...
trevorcalabro.substack.com/p/top-10-ux-...
Top 10 UX Resources for 2025
A Thanksgiving Tradition
trevorcalabro.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Always nice to be understood and appreciated. Check our Trevor's list.
trevorcalabro.substack.com/p/top-10-ux-...
trevorcalabro.substack.com/p/top-10-ux-...
Episode 289 of The World of UX is now available!
Many debates are taking place today about the relevance and value of personas for UX work. In this episode, Darren presents a case in support of using personas and explains why they're often rejected in many circles.
link.kaizenux.design/woux289
Many debates are taking place today about the relevance and value of personas for UX work. In this episode, Darren presents a case in support of using personas and explains why they're often rejected in many circles.
link.kaizenux.design/woux289
November 25, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Episode 289 of The World of UX is now available!
Many debates are taking place today about the relevance and value of personas for UX work. In this episode, Darren presents a case in support of using personas and explains why they're often rejected in many circles.
link.kaizenux.design/woux289
Many debates are taking place today about the relevance and value of personas for UX work. In this episode, Darren presents a case in support of using personas and explains why they're often rejected in many circles.
link.kaizenux.design/woux289
I often cringe when someone is quick to say they disagree with something or someone. Why? Very often, they don't understand what they claim to disagree with, can't tell you why, or just have a difference of opinion. Beware the cult of disagreement. It robs many of critical thinking's benefits.
November 21, 2025 at 5:49 PM
I often cringe when someone is quick to say they disagree with something or someone. Why? Very often, they don't understand what they claim to disagree with, can't tell you why, or just have a difference of opinion. Beware the cult of disagreement. It robs many of critical thinking's benefits.
One of the biggest challenges that faces UX professionals involves the fact that we're trying to communicate and manage what amount to abstract elements to our stakeholders.
November 19, 2025 at 8:52 PM
One of the biggest challenges that faces UX professionals involves the fact that we're trying to communicate and manage what amount to abstract elements to our stakeholders.
Episode 288 of The World of UX is available!
In this episode from the UXR Minds podcast, Darren is interviewed by Dale Husband. They discuss the state of UX today and how to overcome the misinformation that overshadows the discipline.
link.kaizenux.design/woux288
In this episode from the UXR Minds podcast, Darren is interviewed by Dale Husband. They discuss the state of UX today and how to overcome the misinformation that overshadows the discipline.
link.kaizenux.design/woux288
November 19, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Episode 288 of The World of UX is available!
In this episode from the UXR Minds podcast, Darren is interviewed by Dale Husband. They discuss the state of UX today and how to overcome the misinformation that overshadows the discipline.
link.kaizenux.design/woux288
In this episode from the UXR Minds podcast, Darren is interviewed by Dale Husband. They discuss the state of UX today and how to overcome the misinformation that overshadows the discipline.
link.kaizenux.design/woux288
Reposting due to the previous typo ;-)
Game recognizes game…. making the inability to recognize and respect game a self-indictment.
Game recognizes game…. making the inability to recognize and respect game a self-indictment.
November 14, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Reposting due to the previous typo ;-)
Game recognizes game…. making the inability to recognize and respect game a self-indictment.
Game recognizes game…. making the inability to recognize and respect game a self-indictment.
Soooooo, some people complain about my using the phrase "pure UX."
Some even refer to people like me as "UX extremists" for stressing such a thing.
Then, THE SAME PEOPLE recommend and endorse the things I and others refer to as pure UX.
This is called WHITEWASHING.
Some even refer to people like me as "UX extremists" for stressing such a thing.
Then, THE SAME PEOPLE recommend and endorse the things I and others refer to as pure UX.
This is called WHITEWASHING.
November 13, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Soooooo, some people complain about my using the phrase "pure UX."
Some even refer to people like me as "UX extremists" for stressing such a thing.
Then, THE SAME PEOPLE recommend and endorse the things I and others refer to as pure UX.
This is called WHITEWASHING.
Some even refer to people like me as "UX extremists" for stressing such a thing.
Then, THE SAME PEOPLE recommend and endorse the things I and others refer to as pure UX.
This is called WHITEWASHING.
Episode 287 of The World of UX is now available!
How do you find the right people for a balanced, effective, and powerful UX team? What traits and skills do you look for? This week, Darren revisits the topic from the TryMyUI conference (Trymata) in 2016.
link.kaizenux.design/woux287
How do you find the right people for a balanced, effective, and powerful UX team? What traits and skills do you look for? This week, Darren revisits the topic from the TryMyUI conference (Trymata) in 2016.
link.kaizenux.design/woux287
November 11, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Episode 287 of The World of UX is now available!
How do you find the right people for a balanced, effective, and powerful UX team? What traits and skills do you look for? This week, Darren revisits the topic from the TryMyUI conference (Trymata) in 2016.
link.kaizenux.design/woux287
How do you find the right people for a balanced, effective, and powerful UX team? What traits and skills do you look for? This week, Darren revisits the topic from the TryMyUI conference (Trymata) in 2016.
link.kaizenux.design/woux287
It’s one thing for the world of UX to be chock full of poseurs, retrofits, and upstarts (and it is)…. but it’s far worse to enable them. This is the critical flaw at the heart of UX’s current state and poor UX maturity is at the root.
November 11, 2025 at 2:51 PM
It’s one thing for the world of UX to be chock full of poseurs, retrofits, and upstarts (and it is)…. but it’s far worse to enable them. This is the critical flaw at the heart of UX’s current state and poor UX maturity is at the root.
Attitude and passion CAN be faked.... especially when the evaluator(s) lack the associated acumen. This is part of what dooms and threatens the world of UX today.
November 6, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Attitude and passion CAN be faked.... especially when the evaluator(s) lack the associated acumen. This is part of what dooms and threatens the world of UX today.
Game recognizes game…. making the inability to reconnect respect game a self- indictment.
November 6, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Game recognizes game…. making the inability to reconnect respect game a self- indictment.
Episode 286 of The World of UX is now available!
This week features a talk that's been stricken from the organizer's records. Was something wrong? Nope. Ready for some hard truths? Check out UX Domain Knowledge: The Journey, Importance, and Value Proposition!
link.kaizenux.design/woux286
This week features a talk that's been stricken from the organizer's records. Was something wrong? Nope. Ready for some hard truths? Check out UX Domain Knowledge: The Journey, Importance, and Value Proposition!
link.kaizenux.design/woux286
November 4, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Episode 286 of The World of UX is now available!
This week features a talk that's been stricken from the organizer's records. Was something wrong? Nope. Ready for some hard truths? Check out UX Domain Knowledge: The Journey, Importance, and Value Proposition!
link.kaizenux.design/woux286
This week features a talk that's been stricken from the organizer's records. Was something wrong? Nope. Ready for some hard truths? Check out UX Domain Knowledge: The Journey, Importance, and Value Proposition!
link.kaizenux.design/woux286
The next KaizenUX Rendezvous is scheduled for Friday, October 31 at 12:15 p.m. EST. Come and join us for coffee house-styled discussion with UXers from around the globe. Hope to see you there!
www.linkedin.com/eve...
www.linkedin.com/eve...
www.linkedin.com
https://www.linkedin.com/events/kaizenuxrendezvous-october20257388585996570910721/
www.linkedin.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:35 PM
The next KaizenUX Rendezvous is scheduled for Friday, October 31 at 12:15 p.m. EST. Come and join us for coffee house-styled discussion with UXers from around the globe. Hope to see you there!
www.linkedin.com/eve...
www.linkedin.com/eve...
Episode 285 of The World of UX now available!
This week features Darren's appearance on the Guidelines podcast in 2020, where he shared his journey into UX and how to manage the development of one's UX acumen, including some under-the-radar factors of great importance.
link.kaizenux.design...
This week features Darren's appearance on the Guidelines podcast in 2020, where he shared his journey into UX and how to manage the development of one's UX acumen, including some under-the-radar factors of great importance.
link.kaizenux.design...
The World of UX, Episode 285: UX Acumen Development Interview (Talk Circuit Series)
The World of UX with Darren Hood · Episode
link.kaizenux.design
October 28, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Episode 285 of The World of UX now available!
This week features Darren's appearance on the Guidelines podcast in 2020, where he shared his journey into UX and how to manage the development of one's UX acumen, including some under-the-radar factors of great importance.
link.kaizenux.design...
This week features Darren's appearance on the Guidelines podcast in 2020, where he shared his journey into UX and how to manage the development of one's UX acumen, including some under-the-radar factors of great importance.
link.kaizenux.design...
Wanting to get a UX job and wanting to succeed as a bonafide UX professional.... are two different things.
October 27, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Wanting to get a UX job and wanting to succeed as a bonafide UX professional.... are two different things.
Episode 284 of The World of UX is now available!
This week features a panel discussion from Dexignaire's 2021 Design Development Days Conference focusing on UX-Driven AI was discussed with Darren and Harshit Agrawal of Adobe.
link.kaizenux.design/woux284
This week features a panel discussion from Dexignaire's 2021 Design Development Days Conference focusing on UX-Driven AI was discussed with Darren and Harshit Agrawal of Adobe.
link.kaizenux.design/woux284
October 21, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Episode 284 of The World of UX is now available!
This week features a panel discussion from Dexignaire's 2021 Design Development Days Conference focusing on UX-Driven AI was discussed with Darren and Harshit Agrawal of Adobe.
link.kaizenux.design/woux284
This week features a panel discussion from Dexignaire's 2021 Design Development Days Conference focusing on UX-Driven AI was discussed with Darren and Harshit Agrawal of Adobe.
link.kaizenux.design/woux284
Sharing my appearance on the Beyond the Interface podcast, where I address topics such as the (true) evolution of user experience design, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the challenges faced in UX leadership. Check out this extremely immersive set.
youtu.be/8QKgpL_UqKE...
youtu.be/8QKgpL_UqKE...
Darren Hood: Why UX Needs Gatekeepers: Saving the Discipline from Itself
In this engaging conversation, Darren Hood shares his extensive journey in the UX field, discussing the evolution of user experience design, the importance o...
youtu.be
October 15, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Sharing my appearance on the Beyond the Interface podcast, where I address topics such as the (true) evolution of user experience design, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the challenges faced in UX leadership. Check out this extremely immersive set.
youtu.be/8QKgpL_UqKE...
youtu.be/8QKgpL_UqKE...
Episode 283 of The World of UX is now available!
Many seek to enter UX without understanding some of the required personality traits. In this slightly biographical set, Darren talks about the importance of subscribing to excellence and the associated benefits. Enjoy!
link.kaizenux.design/woux283
Many seek to enter UX without understanding some of the required personality traits. In this slightly biographical set, Darren talks about the importance of subscribing to excellence and the associated benefits. Enjoy!
link.kaizenux.design/woux283
October 14, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Episode 283 of The World of UX is now available!
Many seek to enter UX without understanding some of the required personality traits. In this slightly biographical set, Darren talks about the importance of subscribing to excellence and the associated benefits. Enjoy!
link.kaizenux.design/woux283
Many seek to enter UX without understanding some of the required personality traits. In this slightly biographical set, Darren talks about the importance of subscribing to excellence and the associated benefits. Enjoy!
link.kaizenux.design/woux283
Episode 282 of The World of UX is now available!
This week, shares his talk from the Value UX Conference, focusing on proper definitions of empathy and the importance of exercising empathy beyond UX's stereotypical norms.
link.kaizenux.design/woux282
This week, shares his talk from the Value UX Conference, focusing on proper definitions of empathy and the importance of exercising empathy beyond UX's stereotypical norms.
link.kaizenux.design/woux282
October 7, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Episode 282 of The World of UX is now available!
This week, shares his talk from the Value UX Conference, focusing on proper definitions of empathy and the importance of exercising empathy beyond UX's stereotypical norms.
link.kaizenux.design/woux282
This week, shares his talk from the Value UX Conference, focusing on proper definitions of empathy and the importance of exercising empathy beyond UX's stereotypical norms.
link.kaizenux.design/woux282
The pivot to specializations has generated great harm upon the discipline. In addition, this also reduced appreciation for expertise. Thankfully, though slow, there is a move back to hiring UX generalists (i.e., those who can do all the things).
October 4, 2025 at 2:28 PM
The pivot to specializations has generated great harm upon the discipline. In addition, this also reduced appreciation for expertise. Thankfully, though slow, there is a move back to hiring UX generalists (i.e., those who can do all the things).
One doesn't need a degree to succeed in UX, but learning without structure OR with faux structure fosters shipwreck. However you decide to proceed, make sure you choose wisely, as it will determine if you become part of UX's problem or its solution.
#uxeducation #realuxtalk
#uxeducation #realuxtalk
October 2, 2025 at 2:39 PM
One doesn't need a degree to succeed in UX, but learning without structure OR with faux structure fosters shipwreck. However you decide to proceed, make sure you choose wisely, as it will determine if you become part of UX's problem or its solution.
#uxeducation #realuxtalk
#uxeducation #realuxtalk
One can't navigate the waters of UX with Figma. It will take something far more substantive — emotional intelligence. And only some will opt in to using this resource. Re-presenting my EQ book recommendation list.
EQ for the win!!!
uxuncensored.medium....
EQ for the win!!!
uxuncensored.medium....
Darren Hood’s Emotional Intelligence Book Recommendation List (for UXers)
by Darren Hood, MSUXD, MSIME
uxuncensored.medium.com
October 2, 2025 at 2:24 PM
One can't navigate the waters of UX with Figma. It will take something far more substantive — emotional intelligence. And only some will opt in to using this resource. Re-presenting my EQ book recommendation list.
EQ for the win!!!
uxuncensored.medium....
EQ for the win!!!
uxuncensored.medium....
Another new offering from KaizenTees — the I ❤️ Pure UX Ceramic Mug. Get yours today!
darren-kaizenux-tees...
darren-kaizenux-tees...
I ❤️ Pure UX Ceramic Mug
Start your day with a burst of color and joy with our ceramic mug. Dishwasher and microwave safe, this white mug features a vibrant interior, adding an element of surprise to your daily routine. Available in 11 oz and 15 oz sizes.
darren-kaizenux-tees-shop.fourthwall.com
September 30, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Another new offering from KaizenTees — the I ❤️ Pure UX Ceramic Mug. Get yours today!
darren-kaizenux-tees...
darren-kaizenux-tees...
This week, Darren shares a talk from 2021 for the Students of UXD, where he demystified and provided several insights about UX education and how to optimize your learning journey. Check it out.
REMINDER: Video is available for this episode via select resources.
link.kaizenux.design...
REMINDER: Video is available for this episode via select resources.
link.kaizenux.design...
September 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM
This week, Darren shares a talk from 2021 for the Students of UXD, where he demystified and provided several insights about UX education and how to optimize your learning journey. Check it out.
REMINDER: Video is available for this episode via select resources.
link.kaizenux.design...
REMINDER: Video is available for this episode via select resources.
link.kaizenux.design...