Shaping Tomorrow’s Experiences: Insights and Adventures from UX Masterclass 2024 in Dubai

The theme, Shaping Tomorrow’s Experiences: UX in the Era of Evolving Customers, set the stage for an incredible lineup of talks. The opening keynote by Christopher Golias from Google was a standout, as he introduced us to an ethnographic framework for AI, focusing on how Large Language Models (LLMs) interact with diverse communities. It was an eye-opener into the subtle biases these technologies might carry and the importance of rooting UX research in local context and cultural awareness.

Next, I joined an engaging workshop with Shaun Singh from Mastercard, UAE, on Strategic Problem Framing. Through tools like the “Sail Boat of Truth,” Shaun guided us in building collaborative, value-driven roadmaps—a session packed with actionable insights.

Other notable speakers like Kristine Pitts (Du, UAE) and Paola Seghezzi & Anna Lazzati (Assist Digital, Italy) really drove home the importance of understanding context in UX. And Gavin Lew from Bold Insight reminded us that accessibility is not a checkbox but an ongoing commitment to inclusive design. Hearing about his hands-free mobile device project was inspiring—it showed how tech can empower everyone when we consider all users’ needs right from the start.

There were many more insightful speakers and presentations that I wish I could cover fully here, each contributing uniquely to the theme of shaping future user experiences.

After an intense first day of insights and learning, I took to the skies (literally!) for a breathtaking skydive over Palm Jumeirah. Free-falling over the iconic Dubai coast was a surreal experience—both thrilling and strangely calming. It was a perfect metaphor for UX: sometimes, you’ve got to take the leap to see the bigger picture.

Later, I visited the Museum of the Future, and wow, was it impressive! The exhibits explored concepts from AI to sustainable design, all presented in an interactive, forward-thinking way. It was the perfect follow-up to the conference’s theme—how we, as UXers, are shaping the future. Seeing these concepts in such a creative setting made me think about our role in building tomorrow’s experiences with responsibility and imagination.

On the third day, I joined a workshop with UXalliance members from all around the world. This wasn’t just about sharing insights but about enhancing our collaborative power and exploring strategies to create value together. Working alongside UXers from different cultures was both challenging and rewarding, as we learned how to blend our unique perspectives to drive impactful projects.

After a productive workshop, we traded our laptops for sand dunes and headed out on a desert safari! The evening was filled with camel riding, sandboarding, and an awe-inspiring fire and light performance under the stars. Watching these talented performers made me reflect on the artistry and precision that go into creating an experience—much like our work in UX, where every element contributes to the whole.

Each day of UX Masterclass 2024 brought something new: insights from industry leaders, unique challenges, and unforgettable adventures. Being in Dubai, a city that embraces innovation and cultural fusion, was the perfect backdrop for a UX conference focused on the future.

This experience reminded me of the power of connection, be it through technology, shared values, or shared experiences. I returned with new tools, fresh ideas, and a renewed commitment to design with empathy, inclusivity, and a global perspective.