The Impact, Benefits, and Challenges of AI in Design

Based on hundreds of meetings with beginners in Data Analytics, I'll try to summarize the main tips I give. What is worth learning? What are the pros and cons of the analytics profession? What do I do all day? I will try to answer these and other questions during the session.

This lecture style, actionable advice oriented session is going to be a quick start guide on the do's and don'ts for designing spatial experiences for the Apple Vision Pro. We will go over 3 main elements of spatial design through the lens of Apple VisionOS Design Guidelines - space, interface guidelines, and interaction patterns. In addition to to the classic methodologies that have been around in other headsets, we will place particular emphasis on eye/hand tracking, custom gestures, and direct touch to equip you with the knowledge you need to create truly compelling experiences.

When was the last time you did something that scared you? When was the last time you felt uncomfortable? I have a 'how hard could it be?' outlook to all of life. I truly believe that you can achieve anything you want, you just have to decide you want it. Then put in the work, and get it. Even when you’ve never done it before. I realized that everything I ever dreamed possible for my life, my lifelong dreams, I had already achieved - all by 30. The degree, the house, the relationship, the multiple-six-figure salary, the travel where I wanted, when I wanted… all of it! And then I walked away. You can do hard things. You can achieve anything you want, change anything you want. What's possible for me is possible for anybody - you have to simply have the mindset, determination, and discipline to make it happen. When your life around you no longer aligns with what you want to do, you need the strength and confidence to light your own fuse, blow it up, and get out of comfortable - complacent - normal... and go write that next chapter. You've done hard things before. Hard could the next one be?

Most data products are consumed passively—they neither drive joy nor action. Over time, this can lead to user disengagement and churn. So, how do you go from building and selling just another data product to creating one that truly sticks? In this session, we will dive deep into understanding the core motivations, pains, and gains of your users and customers. We’ll explore how to effectively engage, retain, and upsell to them by delivering not only what they want but also what they truly need. The discussion will focus on creating sustainable and profitable strategies that drive significant business value and ROI. Through real-world examples, we’ll uncover best practices for building analytics products that resonate with users while delivering long-term growth and success.