If you want people to read your content, make your content readable!!

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

https://www.discussingstupid.com/p/episode-3-readablecom-demo/

39:50

The truth is out West! We’re hopping on the ET Highway and venturing to the most notorious alien hot spots, including Roswell’s infamous crash site, Area 51’s eerie perimeter, and a mysterious desert watchtower. Join us as journalist Laura Krantz, host of the podcast Wild Thing , beams up to share stories from the front lines of UFO reporting—from strange sightings and quirky festivals to a mailbox where people leave letters to extraterrestrials. Maybe you’ll even decide for yourself: Is the Earth a tourist stop for spaceships? UFO hot spots you’ll encounter in this episode: - UFO Watchtower (near Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado) - Roswell, New Mexico - Area 51, Nevada - Extraterrestrial Highway (aka State Route 375), Nevada - Little A’Le’Inn, ET Highway, Nevada - E.T. Fresh Jerky, ET Highway, Nevada - Alien Research Center, ET Highway, Nevada - The Black Mailbox, ET Highway, Nevada Via Podcast is a production of AAA Mountain West Group .…

about a year ago 17:21

MP3•Episode home

The team discusses common readability mistakes like using too much jargon, confusing sentence structure, and not keeping the audience in mind. Virgil shares examples from government and education where content wasn’t simple enough. They explain why it’s important to know your audience and keep language clear, especially for government websites that need to be at an 8th-grade reading level.

The episode also includes a demo using Readable.com, where Virgil and Cole show how to take a sentence and make sure it is clear and easy to read. This example shows why keeping content simple helps people understand and stay engaged.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have tips to make your content easy to read and understand, reaching a wider audience.

Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com.

LINKS

Tools Mentioned:

Readable.com: https://www.readable.com/

Readable.com Demo Clip:

Watch a clip of Virgil and Cole using Readable.com to enhance content clarity:

Subscribe for email updates on our website:

https://www.discussingstupid.com/

Watch us on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024

https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0

https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid

Check us out on socials:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid

https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/

https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid

https://x.com/DiscussStupid

28 episodes

#Tech #Business #Marketing #Virgil Carroll #Usability #Search #Digital Marketing #Content Strategy #Customer Data #Graphic Design #Information Architecture #Digital Strategy #Web Design #Best Practices #UX Design

If you want people to read your content, make your content readable!!

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

By the end of this episode, you’ll have tips to make your content easy to read and understand, reaching a wider audience.

Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com.

LINKS

Tools Mentioned:

Readable.com: https://www.readable.com/

Readable.com Demo Clip:

Watch a clip of Virgil and Cole using Readable.com to enhance content clarity:

https://www.discussingstupid.com/p/episode-3-readablecom-demo/

Subscribe for email updates on our website:

https://www.discussingstupid.com/

Watch us on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024

https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0

https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid

Check us out on socials:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid

https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/

https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid

https://x.com/DiscussStupid

28 episodes

All episodes

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
What separates good projects from great ones? Proper testing. 21:44

9 days ago21:44

21:44

In this episode of Discussing Stupid , Virgil and Cole are joined by a new guest—High Monkey’s Project Manager and QA specialist, Seth Moline . Together, they dig into the often-overlooked world of quality assurance (QA) and why it can make or break a digital project. From accessibility issues to ripple effects caused by last-minute code changes, Seth walks us through what great QA really looks like—and why it’s not just a checklist you run through before launch. The team discusses how QA needs to be methodical , repeatable , and fully integrated into your build process—not an afterthought. They also explore: Why QA isn’t just testing—it’s marketing How staging environments save you from public embarrassment The value of fresh eyes and non-developer perspectives Common QA mistakes and how to avoid them Why accessibility should never be separated from quality Whether you’re a developer, content manager, strategist, or digital lead, this episode will change the way you think about testing and quality. For more conversations about digital strategy, UX, accessibility, and all the ways we get it wrong (and how to get it right), visit www.discussingstupid.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. (0:00) - Intro (3:04) - Seth's QA role at high monkey (4:45) - Quality testing is best done by a fresh set of eyes (6:47) - QA is about systems, not spot checks (11:06) - Why you need a staging environment (14:18) - How to stay methodical with your testing (16:36) - Baking accessibility into your QA process (18:06) - A quality site = top tier marketing (19:52) - Outro Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid…

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
Want good UX? Expect less from your audience. 18:40

23 days ago18:40

18:40

In Episode 14 , host Virgil Carroll and co-host Cole dig into a core truth behind most UX mistakes: people don’t pay attention. From sending a message to the wrong person to confusing web forms, today’s digital missteps often stem from one thing—poorly designed experiences that expect users to be careful, focused, or even logical. But here’s the hard truth: they’re not. That’s why UX exists—to design for inattention, not perfection. In this episode, Virgil and Cole explore how small misjudgments in interface design can lead to big problems, and why it’s time to stop blaming the user and start designing smarter. They dig into key lessons and takeaways, including: ✅ Why assuming users will “just pay attention” is a guaranteed way to fail ✅ The danger of designing tools for internal teams instead of real users ✅ How AI and other tools can mislead teams if used without critical thinking ✅ Why user feedback beats assumptions—every single time ✅ What it really means to design for the lowest common denominator From confusing buttons and abandoned carts to real-world usability failures, Virgil shares insights from decades of experience that highlight how easy it is to get digital experiences wrong when we ignore how people actually behave. If you’ve ever wondered why people keep screwing up your carefully planned interface—or if you’re trying to build something that works for all humans, not just ideal ones—this episode’s for you. For more conversations about digital strategy, UX, accessibility, and all the ways we get it wrong (and how to get it right), visit www.discussingstupid.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. (0:00) - Intro (2:10) - People don't pay attention (4:41) - Are people bad at browsing or is tech too complex? (6:49) - Will AI shape the future of UX? (10:50) - The gap between internal assumptions and real user needs (14:27) - Build for the lowest common denominator (17:40) - Outro Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid…

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
Keys to balancing aesthetics and accessibility in web design 16:13

5 weeks ago16:13

16:13

In Episode 13.1, host Virgil Carroll is joined by co-host Cole and developer Chad to talk about something deceptively complicated: color. Specifically, the intersection of color palettes, visual design, and accessibility—and why getting it wrong can tank your user experience. While color choices often get made in design tools or branding meetings, they don’t always translate well to real-world implementation. The crew breaks down why the prettiest colors can create the ugliest accessibility problems once they hit the web. They dig into key challenges and lessons, including: ✅ Why accessible design isn’t just about having the right colors—it's about using them correctly ✅ How contrast ratios break down across devices and screen sizes ✅ Why bright and “fun” color palettes often fail accessibility testing ✅ How to bring visual flair to a site without sacrificing inclusivity ✅ The difference between decorative vs. purposeful color use—and why it matters From failed color combinations to misused font sizing, Virgil, Cole, and Chad share their own battle scars from High Monkey’s recent site redesign—and explain how inclusive design forces teams to think functionally, not just aesthetically. If you’ve ever struggled to make your brand colors work on the web—or if you're tired of your site failing contrast tests but you still want some color pop—this episode’s for you. For more conversations about digital strategy, UX, accessibility, and all the ways we get it wrong (and how to get it right), visit www.discussingstupid.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. (0:00) - Intro (2:43) - Accessibility and your brand's color palette (6:03) - Factoring in font sizes (7:54) - I still want color pop on my website!! (11:36) - The approach we took with our new site's color scheme (15:13) - Outro Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid…

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
Finding the metadata "Goldilocks zone" 18:05

7 weeks ago18:05

18:05

In Episode 12, host Virgil Carroll is joined by co-host Cole from High Monkey to dig into a deceptively tricky topic: metadata —what it is, how it works, and why getting it right is more about balance than perfection. Metadata plays a huge role in findability, search accuracy, and content structure. But when it comes to tagging your content, more isn’t always better—and less definitely isn’t enough. That’s where the concept of the “metadata Goldilocks zone” comes in. They unpack the most common metadata mistakes and what to do instead, including: ✅ Why under-tagging leaves your site relying on search engine guesswork ✅ How over-tagging renders metadata meaningless ✅ What makes a tag actually useful (and when it’s just noise) ✅ How to approach metadata as an evolving strategy—not a one-time fix Virgil shares hard-won lessons from consulting across industries, explaining why metadata success depends on both the structure and the context of your content. From internal file systems to public websites, they explore how to build better tagging frameworks without falling into analysis paralysis. To wrap things up, they offer a practical rule of thumb for anyone managing metadata: optimize for the 80% of user needs first —and let real usage data guide the rest. For more conversations about digital strategy, search, UX, and all the ways we get it wrong (and how to get it right), visit www.discussingstupid.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. (0:00) - Intro (2:27) - What even is metadata? (4:10) - Metadata is not one-size-fits-all (7:20) - The dangers of under tagging (10:00) - The dangers of over tagging (12:43) - Finding the “Goldilocks” zone with metadata (15:30) - Virgil’s verdict: Follow the 80/20 rule Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid…

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
The challenges of translating design into a responsive website build 19:05

9 weeks ago19:05

19:05

Discussing Stupid has a new look! This episode marks the beginning of our refreshed brand—featuring a brand new website, sleek color scheme, updated album cover, and a restructured intro sequence. While our look has evolved, our mission remains the same: breaking down the biggest digital mistakes so you don’t have to make them. In Episode 11, host Virgil Carroll is joined by co-host Cole from High Monkey, along with developer Chad, to tackle a common but frustrating issue—why web designs that look perfect in Figma often fall apart when built for real-world use. They explore the biggest challenges of translating static designs into fully responsive websites, including: ✅ The problem with designing for just one screen size ✅ Why text, images, and layouts often break in development ✅ What developers wish designers knew about responsive design ✅ Lessons learned from their own website redesign mistakes Chad shares a developer’s perspective on why rigid, pixel-perfect designs don’t always work and how to approach layouts with flexibility in mind. Through real-world experiences—including High Monkey’s own site rebuild—the team discusses the need for good communication between design and development and how to avoid the most common headaches. To close things out, they share practical tips on designing for multiple screen sizes, working more effectively with developers, and ensuring that your website doesn’t just look great—it actually functions for all the devices browsing your website. New intro, new look, new website, same crew ready to help you avoid dumb digital mistakes! Join us every two weeks for fresh episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com . (0:00) - Intro (2:06) Design is checkers… development is chess (4:53) Common responsive design fails (7:18) Unfortunately we are speaking from experience. (11:09) How many breakpoints do you design for??? (15:40) Designers & developers need to talk (18:07) - Outro Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid…

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
10 episodes into podcasting, here are our thoughts 19:32

11 weeks ago19:32

19:32

In Episode 10 of Discussing Stupid, host Virgil Carroll is joined by co-host Cole from High Monkey to reflect on reaching episode 10 and the ongoing journey of digital marketing beyond just launching a project. As they celebrate this milestone, they dive into why the launch is only the beginning of a much longer journey in the digital world. Virgil and Cole discuss the continuous effort required to maintain and grow digital projects like blogs, podcasts, websites, and more. They share personal experiences and lessons learned about adapting strategies based on analytics and listener feedback. The conversation highlights how even successful launches need follow-up actions to keep the momentum going and ensure long-term engagement. As the episode progresses, they explore the importance of constantly evolving digital marketing tactics to meet changing audience needs. Insights are shared on how they are in the process of tweaking their podcast's format and content to prevent listener drop-off, especially during the intro. To wrap up, practical tips are offered on how to effectively use analytics to drive content improvements and audience retention strategies. Listeners will gain a better understanding of the necessity for resilience in digital marketing and how to make incremental changes that significantly impact their projects' success. Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com . (0:00) - Intro (0:47) - Let's hear it for Episode 10!!! (1:56) - The work starts POST launch (3:30) - Change is in the air for Discussing Stupid (5:18) - Our takeaways after 10 episodes (7:10) - Establish value RIGHT AWAY (8:45) - Analytics. Analytics. Analytics. (10:55) - A message for those who made it this far (11:36) - Digital marketing is not just social media (13:45) - Time to eat our own dog food (14:40) - Cole is moving into a penthouse (15:20) - Be intentional with your analytics & engagement (17:00) - Discussing Stupid is now a live case study (18:30) - Outro Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid…

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
The chaos of modern workplace collaboration 16:39

13 weeks ago16:39

16:39

In Episode 9 of Discussing Stupid , host Virgil Carroll is joined by co-host Cole from High Monkey to break down a frustrating reality of modern work: the overwhelming number of collaboration tools that don’t actually improve teamwork. With so many platforms—Slack, Teams, ClickUp, Figma, email, and more—why does collaboration feel more chaotic than ever? Virgil and Cole explore how the abundance of tools often leads to scattered conversations, lost information, and inefficiency , rather than better collaboration. They discuss real-world examples of how context gets lost in endless message threads, how teams juggle disconnected platforms, and why no single tool seems to solve the problem. As the conversation unfolds, they dig into why the issue isn’t just the tools, but also the processes behind them . They explore what effective workplace collaboration really looks like, sharing insights on how teams can reduce tool overload, set clear communication guidelines, and establish a single source of truth to prevent chaos. To close, they offer practical takeaways on improving collaboration—whether through better workflows, tool integration, or just picking a platform and sticking to it . Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of why collaboration is broken and what steps can actually make it better. Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com (0:00) - Intro (1:24) - Modern collaboration: Many tools, little clarity (4:00) - Why the "perfect collaboration tool" is a false promise (7:30) - The path to streamlining collaboration (12:00) - It's about strategy, not just software (15:00) - Outro Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid…

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
Bad mobile button design is driving us crazy 18:01

15 weeks ago18:01

18:01

In Episode 8 of Discussing Stupid , host Virgil Carroll is joined by co-hosts Chad and Cole from High Monkey to tackle a common yet overlooked frustration: poor mobile button design. The trio dissects why mobile usability remains such a challenge and explores how bad design impacts user experience on mobile devices. Virgil, Chad, and Cole highlight the pitfalls of prioritizing aesthetics over functionality, sharing real-life examples of frustrating mobile experiences—like accidentally disliking articles in Apple News due to poorly placed buttons. They dive into the broader challenges of mobile-first design, discussing how designers often fail to account for varying finger sizes, touch accuracy, and real-world usage patterns. As the discussion unfolds, the team offers actionable insights for improving mobile usability. From creating larger, well-spaced buttons to understanding mobile interaction patterns, they outline best practices to ensure users can navigate and interact with apps and websites effortlessly. To close, the team reflects on the importance of practical testing and design iteration to deliver seamless mobile experiences. Listeners will leave with practical tips and a deeper appreciation for the role of thoughtful design in modern digital experiences. Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com . (0:00) - Intro (1:57) - Calling out poor mobile button design (3:46) - Some real life frustrations (6:07) - Challenges of mobile first design (9:11) - Optimizing mobile separately from desktop (12:17) - Think about how people operate (14:35) - Practical tips for better mobile buttons (17:00) - Outro LINKS Subscribe for Email Updates on Our Website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch Us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmX Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid…

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
AI alone won't fix your crappy content 14:08

17 weeks ago14:08

14:08

In Episode 7 of Discussing Stupid , host Virgil Carroll and co-host Cole Schlotthauer from High Monkey tackle the buzz surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for technology, marketing, and content management. This episode explores the reality behind AI’s hype, focusing on the importance of high-quality content and structure to make AI truly effective. Virgil and Cole delve into the nuances of AI’s capabilities, examining the gap between its marketing promises and practical limitations. They discuss tools like schema.org and highlight the challenges organizations face in defining content effectively for AI and search engines. Drawing from years of experience, Virgil emphasizes that AI is only as good as the content it analyzes, echoing the need for robust content governance and thoughtful strategy. To wrap up, the duo discusses the potential applications of AI in areas like coding and keyword generation while cautioning against viewing it as a quick fix for deeper organizational issues. Listeners will leave with a clear understanding of how to prepare their content and strategies for success in an AI-driven world. Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com . (0:00) - Intro (1:38) - Safe to say AI is the buzz right now (3:10) - Practical capabilities VS marketing hype (3:55) - Schema.org and AI (5:50) - AI is not a silver bullet (9:40) - Staying ahead in the transition to AI search (11:21) - AI will only be as good as your content (12:40) - End The article we referenced: https://www.cmswire.com/digital-experience/the-growing-importance-of-schemaorg-in-the-ai-era/?utm_source=cmswire.com&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=cm&utm_content=all-articles-rss Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid…

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
Are websites evolving or devolving? 14:59

19 weeks ago14:59

14:59

In Episode 6 of Discussing Stupid, host Virgil Carroll and co-host Cole Schlotthauer from High Monkey reflect on the evolution of web design and discuss how websites have grown increasingly complex over the years. This episode delves into the challenges of balancing form and function in web design, examining how trends have influenced modern websites—often at the expense of user experience. Virgil and Cole explore the history of web design, from the simplicity of early 2000s websites to the rise of stylistic trends like Flash, hero images, and parallax scrolling. They discuss how the pursuit of flashy, modern designs can overshadow usability, creating obstacles for users trying to complete tasks. Drawing on decades of experience, Virgil shares insights into the “form vs. function” debate, emphasizing that good design prioritizes purpose and user needs. To wrap up, the duo highlights the growing trend toward simplicity in web design and the importance of finding a balance between aesthetics and practicality. Listeners will leave with a deeper understanding of how to create websites that are both visually engaging and user-friendly. Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com . (0:00) - Intro (1:26) - Websites have gotten too complicated (3:13) - Evolution of web design trends (4:43) - Form vs Function: An age old battle (6:59) - When did style over substance get big? (8:53) - The pressure to keep up with trends (10:15) - It's about balancing form and function (13:55) - Outro Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid…

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
Font mistakes that are costing you big time 15:47

22 weeks ago15:47

15:47

In Episode 5 of Discussing Stupid , host Virgil Carroll and co-hosts Chad Heinle and Cole Schlotthauer from High Monkey explore the often-overlooked mistakes organizations make with typography and the significant impact it can have on user experience and performance. From excessive font usage to unreadable design choices, this episode dives into the dos and don’ts of effective typography. The team discusses: Why using too many fonts on a website creates confusion and slows down performance. The importance of keeping fonts readable and how font size and weight affect usability. Real-world examples of font mistakes, including when and where decorative fonts can work—and when they don’t. How poor typography choices can kill website performance, particularly through improper font loading. To wrap up, they discuss actionable best practices, including limiting font selections, optimizing font files for performance, and always keeping your audience in mind when choosing typography. By the end of this episode, you’ll gain practical insights to help your website achieve both aesthetic appeal and functional clarity—without sacrificing performance. This marks the final episode of 2024, and we want to thank all of you for joining us this year! We’ll be taking a short break for the holidays but will return in 2025 with more episodes, more “stupid,” and more expert advice to help you avoid common digital mistakes. Until then, like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and visit www.discussingstupid.com for updates and resources. Happy holidays, and see you in the new year! (0:00) - Intro & holiday spirit (1:44) - Welcome back, Chad (2:20) - Too many fonts = chaos (4:05) - Learning from print design (5:25) - Typography as Art vs. Function (6:23) - The hidden cost of fancy fonts (8:04) - Should some fonts be banned? (10:11) - Know your audience and the context (12:06) - With fonts, less is more (14:28) - Outro & happy holidays! Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid…

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
Why search systems fail without semantics 13:34

24 weeks ago13:34

13:34

In Episode 4 of Discussing Stupid, host Virgil Carroll and co-host Cole Schlotthauer from High Monkey dive into the complex world of search systems and the importance of semantics in delivering relevant results. This episode explores the frustrations users often face when search systems fail to recognize variations in spelling, synonyms, and context, which can drastically impact user experience. Virgil and Cole discuss common issues with search systems, such as treating every search term the same and ignoring common phrases and alternative names. They share real-world examples, like a bank where users searched for one name in numerous ways, illustrating the need for search systems to recognize and account for these variations. The team also emphasizes that improving search functionality requires more than just turning it on—it involves continuous work, testing, and understanding of user behavior. To wrap up, Virgil highlights best practices, including using “push search” technology to guide users to the right results and leveraging search analytics to understand how people are searching. By the end of the episode, listeners will gain practical insights into making search more intuitive and user-friendly. Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com . (0:00) - Intro (1:26) - A lot of search systems suck (1:57) - Search needs semantics (3:04) - Search with VS without semantics (4:48) - When AB&T meets AB and T (6:14) - The English language is funny (8:00) - The power of curated results (10:50) - Virgil's biggest piece of advice (12:41) - Outro Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid…

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
If you want people to read your content, make your content readable!! 17:21

27 weeks ago17:21

17:21

In Episode 3 of Discussing Stupid Season 2, host Virgil Carroll, along with Cole Schlotthauer from High Monkey, dives into the topic of content readability. They focus on how overly complex or technical language can turn users away and make it harder for people to understand. The team discusses common readability mistakes like using too much jargon, confusing sentence structure, and not keeping the audience in mind. Virgil shares examples from government and education where content wasn’t simple enough. They explain why it’s important to know your audience and keep language clear, especially for government websites that need to be at an 8th-grade reading level. The episode also includes a demo using Readable.com, where Virgil and Cole show how to take a sentence and make sure it is clear and easy to read. This example shows why keeping content simple helps people understand and stay engaged. By the end of this episode, you’ll have tips to make your content easy to read and understand, reaching a wider audience. Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com . LINKS Tools Mentioned: Readable.com: https://www.readable.com/ Readable.com Demo Clip: Watch a clip of Virgil and Cole using Readable.com to enhance content clarity: https://www.discussingstupid.com/p/episode-3-readablecom-demo/ Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid…

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
Big images, slow loading 16:45

29 weeks ago16:45

16:45

In Episode 2 of Discussing Stupid Season 2, host Virgil Carroll, along with Chad and Cole from High Monkey, dives into the topic of page performance and SEO, specifically focusing on how oversized images can slow down your website. They discuss common mistakes people make with large images—like shrinking images in HTML without optimizing file size—and how these errors can negatively impact both the user experience and SEO rankings. The team shares insights into how to avoid these pitfalls and explores how tools like RIOT (Radical Image Optimization Tool) can help reduce file sizes without sacrificing image quality. You'll also hear about the often overlooked balance between mobile and desktop optimization. The team highlights why simply resizing images for mobile isn’t enough and explains how poor image handling can lead to sluggish performance on mobile devices, frustrating users and hurting your site's overall effectiveness. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with actionable tips on optimizing images for both performance and SEO, ultimately improving your site’s speed and user experience. Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com . LINKS Tools mentioned: Riot (Radical Image Optimization Tool): https://riot-optimizer.com/ Riot demo clip from this episode: https://www.discussingstupid.com/p/episode-2-image-optimization-demo Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid…

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

1
Your poorly written alt text doesn't go unnoticed... 16:04

31 weeks ago16:04