Theme One Intro
Summary
The talk opens by reflecting on the growing community of researchers eager to learn and transform together, a theme initiated by Chris and Jim last year. It emphasizes that transformation becomes most vivid in moments of significant disruption, whether personally, organizationally, or industry-wide, such as the current economic challenges in tech. Lesan’s story about leaving research raises questions about whether organizations are prepared to evolve. Upcoming talks by Mia, Cassini, my Ed, and Caitlin will delve into responsible, radical, and inclusive research to push the craft’s boundaries. Chloe and Florence address cultural intersections and speculative futures, illustrating how transformation occurs through dialogue when diverse groups meet and bend new paths together. The speaker urges participants not only to absorb knowledge but to embrace transformation as a way of life, blending personal growth with professional evolution for deeper, sustained impact.
Key Insights
-
•
Transformation in research is heightened during periods of personal, organizational, or industry upheaval.
-
•
Lesan’s departure from research highlights the tension between individual change and organizational willingness to adapt.
-
•
Responsible, radical, and inclusive research approaches represent deeper transformations of the research craft.
-
•
Conversation between different groups fosters transformation by creating paths neither party would take alone.
-
•
Cultural and futurist perspectives, like Chloe’s and Florence’s, expand the ways transformation is understood and practiced.
-
•
Practicing transformation in life makes it easier and more authentic to integrate it into research work.
-
•
Transformation is not only a goal but a continuous process of bending and turning with difference.
-
•
Engagement beyond passive listening—such as interactive conversations in cohorts and Slack—amplifies transformation.
-
•
Transformation involves openness to new ways of being, knowing, doing, working, living, and breathing.
-
•
Taking notes or sketching ideas is encouraged but openness to the experience and challenge is paramount.
Notable Quotes
"Transformation research is a transformative force."
"In times of great upheaval, possibilities for transformation become more alive."
"Lesan left research and what the organization chooses to do next is up to them."
"Conversation converts — with or alongside, it means bend or turn."
"When difference comes together, something new emerges neither could have traveled alone."
"If we practice transformation as a way of life, it’s easier to practice it in our research work."
"It’s so much harder to not practice transformation outside and then suddenly switch gears at work."
"Open yourself up to the ways of being, knowing, doing, working, living, and breathing of others."
"We’re going to laugh, learn, listen, and maybe take some sketch notes."
"I hope that today you are transformed."
Or choose a question:
More Videos
"Patient opportunism means most of the time having the current at your back and only occasionally angling directly against it to avoid burnout."
John CutlerOxbows, Rivers, and Estuaries: How to navigate the currents of change (without burning out)
December 3, 2024
"If you’re generating buy-in, don’t forget what it will mean for your difficult stakeholders—they may have external pressures you don’t know about."
Darian DavisLessons from a Toxic Work Relationship
January 8, 2024
"The tool is designed so you can just sit down, read the questions, and get started even if you don’t have much background knowledge."
Dave GrayGroup Activity: Making Sense of DesignOps
November 7, 2017
"You wanna capture all the mess, but you cannot operate in the mess. Leave a path back to the mess so details and signals remain available."
John CutlerThe Alignment Trap
November 29, 2023
"Providing alternative content is often a kinder gesture than any lengthy alternative text could be."
Abby CovertStuck? Diagrams Help
October 27, 2022
"Use four simple questions to find out what people really want and why — it avoids misaligned efforts."
Mark InterranteCollaboration Flows in Product Development
June 9, 2017
"Obsession with gadgetry and cool tech ignores the fact that most critical future changes are mundane and essential, like clean water."
Devon PowersImagining Better Futures
March 9, 2022
"Unbiased qualitative research does not exist. The best we can do is acknowledge and minimize biases."
Prayag NarulaHow to Empower Your Designers to Do Good Research – And Why You Want To
June 10, 2022
"Agents are literally models using tools in a loop—they respond to themselves and the tools in chat-like conversations."
Peter Van DijckHands on AI #3: Claude Code for UX people
October 22, 2025
