By UXPA International

Many UX professionals are quietly burning out. They feel increasing pressure to meet deadlines, deal with business objectives, accommodate engineering needs, and yet somehow make the user happy. Adding to this is the anxiety of producing creative work in the age of AI.

In the midst of all of this, the designer might be asking themselves, “What ever happened to the creative person I used to be? How do I fit my creative soul into this madness?”

This panel discussion will bring together four experienced professional designers from diverse backgrounds to address how creativity really works for them, and the solutions they have found to keep their creative inner life alive. We will cover such diverse topics as the lifestyle of the Flaneur, the science of creative thinking, and UX management structures that support divergent and innovative thinking. This is not a magical spark, but a practice shaped by personal stories and hard won experience. Come join us for an energizing and uplifting session to help keep your inner flaming burning brightly.

After this talk, audience members will:

– Have a better handle on their own creative process and how to nurture it

– Learn specific reasons why non-linear thinking and methods are essential to the creative process.

– Learn the value of self-directed thinking and daydreaming as a way to free the mind for innovative thinking

– Learn about how to manage a team of creative people so they have enough room to be creative while being responsive to deadlines and business needs

– Feel better about the so-called bad habits they have that are actually essential to being a successful innovator

Date: February 11, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM CT / 12:00 PM ET

Duration: 1 hour