UX Pathways – Episode 9 : Darren Hood

Discover the unique user experience path that Darren Hood, Principal Product Designer – Omnicell & Adjunct Professor, followed in this ninth episode. Check out his podcast, The World of UX with Darren Hood, on Spotify.

This episode of UX Pathways features Darren Hood, a seasoned principal product designer and UX educator with over 26 years of experience. Darren shares insights into his career journey, the realities of working in UX, and advice for newcomers to the field. His current role involves designing software for autonomous pharmacy robots that help healthcare systems manage medications, with a footprint in over half of the large U.S. medical systems and internationally. Alongside his industry work, Darren is deeply involved in UX education, teaching at multiple universities including Kent State University, Lawrence Tech, Harrisburg University, and contributing to programs at Michigan State University and Syracuse University.

Career Background and Entry into UX

Darren’s entry into UX was unplanned and opportunistic, starting in 1995 during the early internet boom when non-profits sought to establish a web presence.
Initially, he engaged in what was then called information architecture and usability testing, though the term “UX” had not yet been coined.
His early work included launching a freelance web design business where he performed many UX-related activities before the field was formally recognized.
Darren credits influential UX thought leaders and classic texts (e.g., The Polar Bear Book) for deepening his understanding and passion.
Transitioned from instructional design to full-time UX, emphasizing problem-solving and user-centered design over merely creating visuals.

Nature of UX Work and Industry Realities

UX is not about making things pretty but focused on making user experiences easy, efficient, and beneficial for both users and businesses.
The work involves finding and solving problems, which can be challenging and sometimes frustrating.
Darren recounts a complex project with a large automobile manufacturer where stakeholder management caused numerous iterations (up to version 47 of wireframes), illustrating the iterative and often politically charged nature of UX work.
Emotional resilience and thick skin are essential due to frequent rejection, skepticism from stakeholders, and the need to continually prove one’s value.
UX professionals often face hostility or mistrust from other team members, and earning trust takes persistent effort.
Emotional intelligence is critical to navigate these challenges successfully.

Advice for Aspiring UX Professionals

Darren emphasizes the importance of passion—a genuine care for people, problem-solving, and improving user experiences.
UX is not suitable for those seeking a quick or easy career or only chasing financial gain.
Key personal traits needed include:
- Patience and persistence in the face of rejection.
- Openness to lifelong learning due to evolving technology and methodologies.
- Ability to handle criticism and interpersonal challenges professionally.
Many skills from other professions (sales, customer service, project management) can be leveraged into UX.
The industry is still relatively new and misunderstood; newcomers must be prepared to continuously prove themselves and build credibility.
Darren warns about entitlement and stresses that UX is a competitive field where no one owes you a job.
Handling rejection is a constant; learning from every “no” is crucial as it brings you closer to a “yes”.

Educational Contributions and Resources

Darren has produced a podcast series titled So You Want to Be a UXer, which helps prospective UX practitioners evaluate if the field suits them.
He is currently producing a series on emotional intelligence in UX, highlighting its importance in career success.
He encourages interested individuals to explore his content and university courses for deeper learning.

Key Insights

UX is a demanding, multifaceted discipline focused on problem-solving, not aesthetics.
Emotional intelligence and passion are critical to succeeding in UX.
The UX journey involves constant learning, resilience, and earning trust.
Aspiring UX professionals should carefully consider if their motivations and personality align with the field’s demands.
Rejection and critical feedback are part of the process; persistence is key.
Leveraging previous professional experience can facilitate entry into UX.

Transcript

[Music]

Marc: Welcome to another episode of UX Pathways. I’m honored to be joined by Darren Hood. How are you, Darren?

Darren: Doing fantastic, Marc. Thanks for having me—glad to be here.

Darren’s Current Role

Marc: I know you always have something insightful to say about user experience. Before we dive into your background, what is your current role in the industry?

Darren: By day—when I’m not wearing all my “bat outfits”—I’m a Principal Product Designer at Omnicell. We work in the autonomous pharmacy space, using robotics and software to help healthcare systems manage medications and compounds.

We’re in over half of the major medical systems in the U.S. and abroad.

Marc: And you’re also an educator.

Darren: Absolutely. That’s where I put on the “bat suit.”

I teach at several universities:

Kent State University (our shared alma mater), where I’ve been teaching since 2015
Lawrence Technological University in Michigan
Harrisburg University in Pennsylvania
Soon: Michigan State University (CX master’s program)
In discussions to join Syracuse University as well

Education is a big part of what I do.

How Darren Got Into UX

Marc: You’ve been at this since 1995. How did you get into user experience?

Darren: Like most early UX folks, I didn’t plan on it. None of us did.

I was working with a nonprofit during the era when everyone was rushing to buy their first home computers—25 MB hard drives, AOL CDs, CompuServe… the whole 90s internet explosion.

A nonprofit wanted to “get on the web like everyone else,” and I said, “I think I can help.” I had no idea that moment would change my career.

I started doing what I later realized was information architecture, usability testing, and cognitive load evaluation—I just didn’t know those terms yet. I began freelancing as a web designer, doing everything we now call UX long before it had a name.

When the Polar Bear Book (Information Architecture for the World Wide Web) came out, I fell in love with IA. Then I learned about Richard Saul Wurman, Nathan Shedroff, and interaction design principles. I was hooked.

I eventually started a web design department at a company, building solutions for credit unions. I handled everything: logos, graphics, interfaces, UX. I loved it.

I thought I was headed toward a master’s in Education, but UX won my heart. I shifted from instructional design to full-time UX—even though we still called it “information architecture” back then.

That’s how it all began: being in the right place at the right time, with the right curiosity.

How to Get Into UX (Darren’s No-Nonsense Advice)

Marc: You’ve always offered straight talk about UX. With UX being a buzzword and bootcamps popping up everywhere, how do you answer the question: Should I get into UX?

Darren: I answer it with honesty—because people deserve to know the truth before jumping in.

I did a whole podcast series called “So You Want to Be a UXer?” It walks people step by step through evaluating whether UX is truly right for them.

Here’s the short version:

**1. Understand What UX Really Is**

UX is not making things pretty.
UX is:

Making things easy
Solving problems
Finding wins for users and the business
Navigating ambiguity
Handling conflict
Advocating for people who aren’t in the room

A lot of people think UX is glamorous or simple. It isn’t. It’s work—and often very challenging work.

2. UX Requires the Right Persona

Not everyone is built for UX.
You need:

Empathy
Patience
Resilience
Curiosity
Dedication
Ability to handle criticism
Emotional intelligence
Thick skin

Everyone can’t be a doctor, lawyer, or plumber—same with UX.

3. You Must Be Ready for Resistance

You won’t walk in and be celebrated.

In fact, you’re often seen as:

A threat
A roadblock
A complication

People will—literally—ask why you’re there.

You have to earn trust, and that can take a long time.

4. Crying Happens

Seriously.
UX can be emotionally taxing. Many practitioners—experienced ones—have walked to their car or taken long walks to recover from a meeting.

You learn to bounce back. But people need to know this upfront.

5. Buy-in Takes Time

Darren tells a story:

He once worked on an intranet redesign for a major automaker.
He gathered requirements, iterated, presented, adjusted… and the stakeholders kept adding more stakeholders.

He went from version 2 of the wireframes to version 47—only to end up almost identical to version 2.

That kind of thing can break people who aren’t prepared for it.

6. If You Love It, Nothing Will Stop You

Your passion will carry you through:

The politics
The rejections
The difficult stakeholders
The long cycles
The skepticism

UX is absolutely worth it—but only if you genuinely love solving problems for people.

Skills & Traits Needed for UX

Marc: You mentioned skills—what do people really need to succeed?

Darren: People always ask, “What skills do I need?” They expect me to list software tools.

But the truth is:

Traits Matter More Than Tools

Passion
Perseverance
Humility
Emotional intelligence
Ability to learn continuously
Ability to communicate clearly
Ability to sell your ideas
Ability to take a ‘no’ without folding

Tools change. Methods evolve. Technology transforms.

But who you are—that’s what determines whether you make it in UX.

And You MUST Expect Rejection

No matter how long you’ve been in UX:

You will hear “no”
You will face setbacks
You will get pushback

I tell people:

“It’s not about the 99 no’s—it’s about the one yes.”

And the no’s never stop. Even at 26 years in, I get told no.

Passion + Value = Longevity

Marc: Great point. Even after you’re hired, you still hear no.

Darren: Exactly. You must:

Deliver value
Bring something to the table
Keep learning
Never feel entitled
Stay curious
Stay humble

No one owes you a job. Businesses don’t run charities. You must provide real value.

Marc: Darren, this has been powerful. You covered so much—what UX really is, what it takes to succeed, and honest truths people need to hear.

Everyone listening: please check out Darren’s podcast. He dives deeply into emotional intelligence, UX fundamentals, and what it truly takes to succeed in this field.

Thank you so much for being here today.

Darren: My pleasure, Marc. Thanks again for having me.