Resources

Outsmart the Ordinary in UX & Service Design

Unconventional insights, tools and resources to fuel your craft and leadership — built by fellow UX practitioners with hard-earned experience in changemaking and digital transformation.

Alpha Testing vs Beta Testing: Comparing and Using Each Correctly

Understanding the difference between beta testing vs alpha testing in software is essential for refining products and delivering on design project goals. Explore how each stage helps improve performance and user experience in our latest blog post!

Human-Centered Design (HCD): Process, Steps & Diagram

What is the HCD (human-centered design) process? What steps and stages does it involve, and how can you apply human-centered design in your organization? Click to read as we cover what you need to know and what resources (including diagrams) will help you on your way.

Service Blueprint vs Customer Journey Map: What’s the Difference?

This post explores customer journey maps vs service blueprints. What is a service blueprint? What is a journey map? When to use each? We’ll explain it all in a UX, CX and service design and guide you toward the best tool for your organization’s goals!

Generative User Research: Why It Works, When It Works

Is your generative user research working for you? We explore its true meaning as well as examples of generative user research that you can use today! We’ll also cover why you should conduct generative research and when it’s most effective in UX or service design.

Comparing Product Design vs Web Design

Today’s topic is product design vs web design! We cover the differences and similarities between website design and product design and when to hire a product designer vs a web designer.

“How Might We” Statement Examples for Design Thinking

It’s easy to start a statement with “How might we…” but framing it properly can make the difference between a groundbreaking brainstorm and a list of half-baked solutions. Read on as we explore “How Might We” statement examples to inspire your design thinking and co-design workshops.

Focus Group vs Workshop: There’s No Competition

To focus group or not to focus group? We explore why focus groups are susceptible to a number of human biases and behaviours, making them less effective than other human-centered design research methods.

How to Use AI For UX Research Now and in the Future

More and more tools are claiming to use AI for UX research. What does that mean for us UX researchers? Let’s explore this question as we go over the key benefits, limitations and uses of AI tools in UX research, and how to safeguard our careers as technology advances.

Off-the-Shelf Software and Custom Software: Advantages and Disadvantages

Off-the-shelf software is a tempting option for many businesses, but it’s not always the ideal option. The off-the-shelf vs custom software debate can be a contentious one, but we’re here to clarify the difference between them and weigh the pros and cons so you can make the best decision.

COTS Solutions and COTS Implementation: Explained

COTS is a term that’s getting thrown around more and more in UX and the tech space in general. Let’s dig into what COTS really means, why people choose this option and whether a COTS experience is right for your users.

How to Make Your COTS Solution Successful

Are you struggling with your COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) software solution? This post helps uncover the root cause of failing COTS solutions and contains tips for making sure your COTS solution will be as successful as possible.

Your Guide to UX Case Studies: Write, Present & Master Them

Case studies are crucial to furthering your career in UX and UI. Whether you’re looking for work or helping a company land new clients, your case studies need to stand out from the pack. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate case study guide.

Design Research Mastery: How to Lead Research That Builds Buy-In and Great Products

A Guide to High-Value Research

(From Our CEO)

Dive into our very own Sara Fortier’s book — a practical guide to design research, packed with real stories, tools, and strategies to turn data and insights into meaningful business impact.

Available for shipment in the UK & EU — pre-orders are live for US and Canada!
Explore the book's official website to learn more about what's inside.
Upcoming Events

Connect, Learn and Evolve Your UX Practice — With Outwitly Events

Join us for hands-on workshops, thought-provoking talks, and networking events that strengthen our UX community and push human-centered design forward.

OCT
31

Systems-Based Design Directorship: A Blueprint for Leaders in UX

Understanding the difference between beta testing vs alpha testing in software is essential for refining products and delivering on design project goals. Explore how each stage helps improve performance and user experience in our latest blog post!

NOV
22

Systems-Based Design Directorship: A Blueprint for Leaders in UX

Understanding the difference between beta testing vs alpha testing in software is essential for refining products and delivering on design project goals. Explore how each stage helps improve performance and user experience in our latest blog post!

OCT
18

Systems-Based Design Directorship: A Blueprint for Leaders in UX

Understanding the difference between beta testing vs alpha testing in software is essential for refining products and delivering on design project goals. Explore how each stage helps improve performance and user experience in our latest blog post!

The Design Leadership Digest

Get insights from seasoned design leaders and real, usable strategies for building resilient UX teams, sharpening your influence and leading with clarity.

The Weekly Wit

UX and HCD tips, resources, and job leads for practitioners, all in one place — to help you hone your skills, stay current and move forward in your design career.