S1EP2｜UX Journey: From Shipping Products to Shipping Change Agents (People) (feat. Prof. Linda Wagner)

Learn more about our guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-wagner-9714641/

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In this conversation, we're excited to welcome our special guest, Linda Wagner, who has had an impressive career transitioning from in-house roles at companies to academia. As an accomplished educator and innovator, Linda brings extensive experience in interdisciplinary learning, curriculum development, and program leadership to her current position as Director of Academic Programs for the Master of Science in Technology Innovation (MSTI) and the UW Global Innovation Exchange (GIX).

With a rich background in design, product, and business strategy, Linda has significantly influenced GIX's interdisciplinary programs. Her career has focused on the synergy between business, technology, and design, offering valuable perspectives on working in-house at companies like Microsoft and in design consultancy roles.

Join us as we explore Linda's journey, her thoughts on interdisciplinary learning, the innovative projects from the Global Innovation Exchange, and her experiences in diverse roles within the corporate and academic worlds.

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Topic Covered:

0:00 - Introduction

2:37 - Overview of the MSTI program at the University of Washington & Linda’s roles

9:38 - Difference between MSTI and some other HCI-related programs at UW

13:42 - Linda’s thoughts on the field and career inspirations back when she started graduate school in 1997

19:06 - Reasons behind Linda’s switch from industry to academia: “from shipping products to shipping people”

23:40 - Linda’s work experience with design consultancy: “For me, once I learned something, I’m no longer interested in repeating over and over again and perfecting it. I want to learn something new.”

29:16 - Conversations on so-called “soft skills” and the importance of having empathy

30:28 - Linda’s work experience at Microsoft

35:46 - The challenges Linda faced at Microsoft and how she overcame them

41:03 - The impact of Linda’s Microsoft experience on her perspective in teaching

44:07 - Linda’s suggestion on essential skills for success in the field of HCI

49:27 - Talking deeper into AI, emerging technologies, and designers’ responsibilities

55:43 - Linda’s suggestions for herself back in her 20s: “Follow your passions and figure out how to make it happen.”