Episode 28 · · 1:20:04

UX, AI Hype Cycles, and Rebuilding the Web with Scott Jenson

Scott Jenson joins Brad to chat about how UX designers thrive in ambiguity and why wrestling with confusing, failing experiments, especially around AI, can signal real progress. The conversation covers open source’s multiplier effect, the need for sustainable funding, and Scott’s work with Mastodon. Jenson also describes practical AI value for prototyping and coding, while emphasizing nuance, trust, and asking questions over online pile-ons.

Topics

  1. 0:00 Why Ambiguity Excites
  2. 6:33 Designers and the Messy Unknown
  3. 10:45 Tech vs Capitalism
  4. 14:23 Compromise and Stability
  5. 18:29 Fixing Social Media Conversations
  6. 28:50 Persistence and Craft Over Time
  7. 36:29 Open Source as a Model
  8. 39:48 Mastodon and Lowering Costs
  9. 46:54 Consulting and Client Trust
  10. 52:38 Designers vs Programmers
  11. 1:08:02 Open Web vs AI Incentives
  12. 1:15:51 Music Picks
  13. 1:19:22 Where to Find Scott Jenson

About Scott Jenson

Scott Jenson

Scott Jenson's website

  • jenson.org — Scott's website and blog (J-E-N-S-O-N dot org)

Scott Jenson's music pick

Dave Brubeck — "Take Five"; Akusmi — "Cogito" (from the album Fleeting Future); and Moondog — Sax Pax for a Sax (notably "Bird's Lament").