Colin Eagan

May 30, 2024 | alistapart.com | Gerry Duffy |Colin Eagan |Jeffrey MacIntyre |Ste Grainer

Ever since I was a boy, I’ve been fascinated with movies. I loved the characters and the excitement—but most of all the stories. I wanted to be an actor. And I believed that I’d get to do the things that Indiana Jones did and go on exciting adventures. I even dreamed up ideas for movies that my friends and I could make and star in. But they never went any further. I did, however, end up working in user experience (UX).

Apr 16, 2024 | alistapart.com | Colin Eagan |Jeffrey MacIntyre |Ste Grainer |Aaron Gustafson

Picture this. You’ve joined a squad at your company that’s designing new product features with an emphasis on automation or AI. Or your company has just implemented a personalization engine. Either way, you’re designing with data. Now what? When it comes to designing for personalization, there are many cautionary tales, no overnight successes, and few guides for the perplexed.

Feb 29, 2024 | alistapart.com | Aaron Gustafson |Jeffrey Zeldman |Justin Dauer |Colin Eagan

I offer a single bit of advice to friends and family when they become new parents: When you start to think that you’ve got everything figured out, everything will change. Just as you start to get the hang of feedings, diapers, and regular naps, it’s time for solid food, potty training, and overnight sleeping. When you figure those out, it’s time for preschool and rare naps. The cycle goes on and on.

Feb 7, 2024 | alistapart.com | Aaron Gustafson |Jeffrey Zeldman |Justin Dauer |Colin Eagan

In reading Joe Dolson’s recent piece on the intersection of AI and accessibility, I absolutely appreciated the skepticism that he has for AI in general as well as for the ways that many have been using it. In fact, I’m very skeptical of AI myself, despite my role at Microsoft as an accessibility innovation strategist who helps run the AI for Accessibility grant program.

Jan 29, 2024 | alistapart.com | Jeffrey Zeldman |Justin Dauer |Colin Eagan |Jeffrey MacIntyre

I am a creative. What I do is alchemy. It is a mystery. I do not so much do it, as let it be done through me. Article Continues Below I am a creative. Not all creative people like this label. Not all see themselves this way. Some creative people see science in what they do. That is their truth, and I respect it. Maybe I even envy them, a little. But my process is different—my being is different. Apologizing and qualifying in advance is a distraction. That’s what my brain does to sabotage me.