What is The Nielson Norman Group?

Chances are if you’re reading this, you’re most likely familiar with NN/g. In case you aren’t, The Nielson Norman Group (NN/g) is an independent information technology research and consulting firm focused on studying human behavior pertaining to technology. They are a premiere organization for all things UX and teach courses about almost any topic.

‍

‍

Discovering the NN/g Podcast

We live in the streaming era; NN/g’s primary source of engagement has been their website. However in 2020, they launched a podcast that would cover all things UX. I found the podcast at the beginning of 2021 and have since kept up with it.

I think it’s important to be attuned to the technology industry and have a good understanding of how things are changing peripherally. Jakob Nielson, one of the founders of NN/g has stated: “the best way forward is to adapt” and I agree wholeheartedly.

The podcast is hosted by one of NN/g’s Sr. UX Specialists - Therese Fessenden. She has an information science background and teaches a number of courses such as:

1. Emerging Patterns in Interface Design

2. Generating Big Ideas with Design Thinking

3. Journey Mapping to Understand Customer Needs

4. Persuasive and Emotional Design

5. Service Blueprinting

6. User Interviews

7. Web Page UX Design

(more to come....)

‍

‍

My Notes

I listen and take notes on every episode of the podcast - for enjoyment and also to document that I have done so.

‍Check out my notes here!

‍

‍

Thoughts on the NN/g Podcast

I thoroughly enjoy this podcast - it delves into standard topics such as defining good research methods, creativity, keeping business needs in mind, UX as a balancing act, customer journey identification, delight, etc. - you name it.

I first found the podcast at the beginning of 2021 with it only having a few episodes published. I really appreciated the empathy Therese extended to those suddenly working remotely during the pandemic and how that likely affected productivity and creativity. From there, I decided to just keep listening and I’m glad I have.

Given what I know of NN/g, I expected great things from this podcast and it has delivered!

10/10.