Innovation in UX is not just about tools or trends, it’s about people, resilience, and the ability to adapt in a rapidly changing landscape. In Season 5 of the UX Banter Podcast, host Dushyant Kanungo sits down with Jonas Bröms, a senior product designer and full-stack developer whose unique blend of creativity and technical expertise has positioned him as a global leader in UX. With over seven years of experience and a passion for mentoring emerging talent, Jonas offers invaluable perspectives on how designers can navigate career challenges, embrace mentorship, and prepare for a future shaped by AI and cultural diversity.
Drawing from this conversation, several important themes emerge that shed light on the evolving nature of UX careers, the power of mentorship, cultural nuances in global teams, and the impact of AI on design.
- The Power of Mentorship in UX
Mentorship is a dynamic, reciprocal process that benefits both mentees and mentors. Guiding others fosters deeper reflection on personal skills, industry knowledge, and emerging trends. It encourages continuous learning and creates strong professional communities, as exemplified by global platforms connecting UX mentors and mentees. This cycle of sharing knowledge enhances the collective capability and resilience of the UX profession.
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome remains a common challenge in UX, affecting professionals at all levels regardless of credentials or experience. Recognizing that self-doubt is widespread—even among highly qualified peers—shifts the narrative from “knowing all the answers” to embracing growth and learning as ongoing journeys. Cultivating this mindset allows designers to focus on skill development and confidence-building rather than perfection.
- Navigating Cultural Differences in Communication
Working within multicultural teams requires awareness of varied communication styles and workplace norms. Directness and efficiency prized in some cultures may be perceived as blunt or impolite in others. Developing cultural sensitivity and adapting communication approaches are essential for successful collaboration, especially in globally distributed UX and product design roles. Overcommunication and clarity help bridge differences and align cross-functional teams.
- The Future of UX in an AI-Driven World
Artificial intelligence and large language models are rapidly reshaping design workflows and user interaction paradigms. Emerging interfaces—such as voice, augmented reality, and AI-powered assistants—are expected to reduce reliance on traditional screens. UX professionals will need to rethink how they design experiences, focusing on new modalities and leveraging AI to enhance creativity, efficiency, and user engagement.
- Evolving Career Paths for UX Professionals
The traditional separation between design and development roles is dissolving as technology advances. Hybrid skill sets combining UX, coding, and AI knowledge are becoming increasingly valuable. Future designers must remain flexible, open to learning new competencies, and prepared to embrace emerging roles that blend creative and technical disciplines. This evolution challenges outdated notions of fixed career paths and invites innovation in professional growth.
- The Critical Role of Asking the Right Questions
Effective communication hinges on asking precise, purposeful questions throughout the design process. Whether in user research or cross-functional team discussions, well-crafted inquiries facilitate deeper understanding and better alignment among stakeholders. In complex, multicultural environments, deliberate overcommunication often prevents misunderstandings and ensures shared goals.
Final Thoughts
These insights reflect the resilience, adaptability, and collaborative mindset required to thrive in UX today. As the field continues to evolve amid technological and cultural shifts, professionals who embrace mentorship, cultural empathy, and continuous learning will be best positioned to shape the future of design.
This conversation with Jonas Bröms provided valuable insights into resilience, mentorship, and cultural adaptation. His journey from childhood inspiration to global mentorship highlights the power of giving back to the community, adapting to industry shifts, and continuously questioning the status quo.
Listen to the full episode of UX Banter Season 5 to hear more about the fascinating journey that shaped Jonas’s career. It’s a conversation packed with practical wisdom and inspiration for UX professionals at every stage.
Watch the full episode here – Building Resilience and Mentorship in UX Design: Insights from Jonas Bröms
Catch more interesting episodes on UX Design and beyond, only on the UX Banter Podcast. Available on Spotify and YouTube.
