Scott Jenson
@jenson.org
UX Strategy: Apple System 7, Newton, & Apple HI guidelines. UX Director Symbian, managed Mobile UX at Google, creative director frog design SF. Head of Product for two startups. Google Physical Web + Android UX research. Semi-retired
People tend to see the worst:
In 1963, the USPS launched ZIP Codes and 2 letter state abbreviations, sparking huge backlash. Conservatives called it a step toward a "communist" style of government reducing people down to numbers.
In 1963, the USPS launched ZIP Codes and 2 letter state abbreviations, sparking huge backlash. Conservatives called it a step toward a "communist" style of government reducing people down to numbers.
USPS History | USPS History Timeline | US Postal Service History
By Scott Vierick, HistorianBarely three weeks after the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, the fledgling Continental Congress began the process of
www.historyassociates.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:34 PM
People tend to see the worst:
In 1963, the USPS launched ZIP Codes and 2 letter state abbreviations, sparking huge backlash. Conservatives called it a step toward a "communist" style of government reducing people down to numbers.
In 1963, the USPS launched ZIP Codes and 2 letter state abbreviations, sparking huge backlash. Conservatives called it a step toward a "communist" style of government reducing people down to numbers.
There are 300K+ views on Youtube of my talk! I've never had a talk get this amount of traction.
It's confusing as I've been speaking/writing about this for years. Somehow the stars aligned this time.
Upside is that I've had lots of interesting conversations with folks because of this.
It's confusing as I've been speaking/writing about this for years. Somehow the stars aligned this time.
Upside is that I've had lots of interesting conversations with folks because of this.
My Ubuntu Summit talk is up! Where I talk about:
1. How Desktop UX is effectively dead
2. Why I hate the term UX/UI with the heat of 1000 suns
3. How OSS can actually innovate in #ux
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fZT...
1. How Desktop UX is effectively dead
2. Why I hate the term UX/UI with the heat of 1000 suns
3. How OSS can actually innovate in #ux
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fZT...
Are we stuck with the same Desktop UX forever? | Ubuntu Summit 25.10
YouTube video by Canonical Ubuntu
www.youtube.com
December 24, 2025 at 1:43 AM
There are 300K+ views on Youtube of my talk! I've never had a talk get this amount of traction.
It's confusing as I've been speaking/writing about this for years. Somehow the stars aligned this time.
Upside is that I've had lots of interesting conversations with folks because of this.
It's confusing as I've been speaking/writing about this for years. Somehow the stars aligned this time.
Upside is that I've had lots of interesting conversations with folks because of this.
Reposted by Scott Jenson
My 2026 Open Social Web Predictions: includes fediverse predctions focuesed on work being done by: @bsky.app @ghost.org @surf.social @wordpress.org @ap.brid.gy @anew.social @leaflet.pub @smokesignal.events @altstore.io
www.timothychambers.net/2025/12/23/m...
www.timothychambers.net/2025/12/23/m...
My 2026 Open Social Web Predictions
I just finished reviewing my 2025 predictions (how do you think I did grading myself?) www.timothychambers.net/2024/12/2…
Now it’s time to make some bets for 2026. I do this not to prove how great my ...
www.timothychambers.net
December 23, 2025 at 3:05 PM
My 2026 Open Social Web Predictions: includes fediverse predctions focuesed on work being done by: @bsky.app @ghost.org @surf.social @wordpress.org @ap.brid.gy @anew.social @leaflet.pub @smokesignal.events @altstore.io
www.timothychambers.net/2025/12/23/m...
www.timothychambers.net/2025/12/23/m...
I just had this weird "vision of the future" flash:
* Lots of different social media feeds (independent, open, safe)
* An aggregated feed across them all
* It's a bit of a fire hose
* Local filtering (keyword or AI)
* "Intelligent" notifications
We're nearly there already...
* Lots of different social media feeds (independent, open, safe)
* An aggregated feed across them all
* It's a bit of a fire hose
* Local filtering (keyword or AI)
* "Intelligent" notifications
We're nearly there already...
December 21, 2025 at 4:41 PM
I just had this weird "vision of the future" flash:
* Lots of different social media feeds (independent, open, safe)
* An aggregated feed across them all
* It's a bit of a fire hose
* Local filtering (keyword or AI)
* "Intelligent" notifications
We're nearly there already...
* Lots of different social media feeds (independent, open, safe)
* An aggregated feed across them all
* It's a bit of a fire hose
* Local filtering (keyword or AI)
* "Intelligent" notifications
We're nearly there already...
So many people helped me "finish" Hades II. As a small thank you, I've dug through the games audio files and curated 26 short clips of various sounds and voice clips. I like to use them for Notification sounds on my phone.
drive.google.com/file/d/1U87T...
drive.google.com/file/d/1U87T...
HadesIISounds.zip
drive.google.com
December 20, 2025 at 6:50 PM
So many people helped me "finish" Hades II. As a small thank you, I've dug through the games audio files and curated 26 short clips of various sounds and voice clips. I like to use them for Notification sounds on my phone.
drive.google.com/file/d/1U87T...
drive.google.com/file/d/1U87T...
I keep hearing of issues with "Shared block lists".
Has anyone written up an analysis of these issues, both pro/con? I'm not asking for a huge discussion, I just expect there are a few writeups on this topic and I'm looking for links.
Has anyone written up an analysis of these issues, both pro/con? I'm not asking for a huge discussion, I just expect there are a few writeups on this topic and I'm looking for links.
December 19, 2025 at 7:03 PM
I keep hearing of issues with "Shared block lists".
Has anyone written up an analysis of these issues, both pro/con? I'm not asking for a huge discussion, I just expect there are a few writeups on this topic and I'm looking for links.
Has anyone written up an analysis of these issues, both pro/con? I'm not asking for a huge discussion, I just expect there are a few writeups on this topic and I'm looking for links.
Reposted by Scott Jenson
Observation: some folks appear to be in news to speak truth *from* power and use institutions to defend the status quo and the agency of centralized power. Others speak truth *to* power and use journalism to challenge unequal power dynamics. Only one of those is desirable, imo.
December 18, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Observation: some folks appear to be in news to speak truth *from* power and use institutions to defend the status quo and the agency of centralized power. Others speak truth *to* power and use journalism to challenge unequal power dynamics. Only one of those is desirable, imo.
Reposted by Scott Jenson
If you have any intersection with software and how it is built and designed, this brilliant talk by @jenson.org is worth your time. www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fZT...
Are we stuck with the same Desktop UX forever? | Ubuntu Summit 25.10
YouTube video by Canonical Ubuntu
www.youtube.com
December 15, 2025 at 4:11 PM
If you have any intersection with software and how it is built and designed, this brilliant talk by @jenson.org is worth your time. www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fZT...
My Ubuntu Summit talk is up! Where I talk about:
1. How Desktop UX is effectively dead
2. Why I hate the term UX/UI with the heat of 1000 suns
3. How OSS can actually innovate in #ux
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fZT...
1. How Desktop UX is effectively dead
2. Why I hate the term UX/UI with the heat of 1000 suns
3. How OSS can actually innovate in #ux
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fZT...
Are we stuck with the same Desktop UX forever? | Ubuntu Summit 25.10
YouTube video by Canonical Ubuntu
www.youtube.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:51 AM
My Ubuntu Summit talk is up! Where I talk about:
1. How Desktop UX is effectively dead
2. Why I hate the term UX/UI with the heat of 1000 suns
3. How OSS can actually innovate in #ux
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fZT...
1. How Desktop UX is effectively dead
2. Why I hate the term UX/UI with the heat of 1000 suns
3. How OSS can actually innovate in #ux
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fZT...
What is your "MacGyver digital trick" that you use nearly every day?
For me, I have a note taking app I used on all my devices. There is a "Clipboard" note when I need to use/read text across devices. One common use is to copy a recipe text from a web page and use it on my phone in the kitchen.
For me, I have a note taking app I used on all my devices. There is a "Clipboard" note when I need to use/read text across devices. One common use is to copy a recipe text from a web page and use it on my phone in the kitchen.
December 8, 2025 at 11:27 PM
What is your "MacGyver digital trick" that you use nearly every day?
For me, I have a note taking app I used on all my devices. There is a "Clipboard" note when I need to use/read text across devices. One common use is to copy a recipe text from a web page and use it on my phone in the kitchen.
For me, I have a note taking app I used on all my devices. There is a "Clipboard" note when I need to use/read text across devices. One common use is to copy a recipe text from a web page and use it on my phone in the kitchen.
With the various ICE apps under pressure to be removed from app stores, why in hell aren't these apps just Web Apps (PWAs)?
It's the super power of the web. You *can't* block it.
And before you say "but apps are better" stop. We're not debating tech here we're debating free speech.
It's the super power of the web. You *can't* block it.
And before you say "but apps are better" stop. We're not debating tech here we're debating free speech.
December 8, 2025 at 5:11 PM
With the various ICE apps under pressure to be removed from app stores, why in hell aren't these apps just Web Apps (PWAs)?
It's the super power of the web. You *can't* block it.
And before you say "but apps are better" stop. We're not debating tech here we're debating free speech.
It's the super power of the web. You *can't* block it.
And before you say "but apps are better" stop. We're not debating tech here we're debating free speech.
Reposted by Scott Jenson
Yesterday, I noticed a table view with a hover highlight that just felt "flickery." Sure, it worked. It's even what we expect. But inspired by Amber Case and her "Calm Technology" manifesto, I wondered if there was a way to make this simple, even trivial, interaction feel more analogue and calm.
December 7, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Yesterday, I noticed a table view with a hover highlight that just felt "flickery." Sure, it worked. It's even what we expect. But inspired by Amber Case and her "Calm Technology" manifesto, I wondered if there was a way to make this simple, even trivial, interaction feel more analogue and calm.
Yesterday, I noticed a table view with a hover highlight that just felt "flickery." Sure, it worked. It's even what we expect. But inspired by Amber Case and her "Calm Technology" manifesto, I wondered if there was a way to make this simple, even trivial, interaction feel more analogue and calm.
December 7, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Yesterday, I noticed a table view with a hover highlight that just felt "flickery." Sure, it worked. It's even what we expect. But inspired by Amber Case and her "Calm Technology" manifesto, I wondered if there was a way to make this simple, even trivial, interaction feel more analogue and calm.
Small #UX design exploration. Which style do you prefer? I built this because a famous message app uses one of these styles and it felt distracting.
Which do you prefer and why?
This *is* a small detail, but it unlocks a much deeper principle about when and why to use animation.
Which do you prefer and why?
This *is* a small detail, but it unlocks a much deeper principle about when and why to use animation.
December 5, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Small #UX design exploration. Which style do you prefer? I built this because a famous message app uses one of these styles and it felt distracting.
Which do you prefer and why?
This *is* a small detail, but it unlocks a much deeper principle about when and why to use animation.
Which do you prefer and why?
This *is* a small detail, but it unlocks a much deeper principle about when and why to use animation.
I finally..... FINALLY beat Typhon in #Hades 2. I don't think I've worked this hard in a video game in a while.
Definite Dark Souls vibe going on here.
Definite Dark Souls vibe going on here.
December 3, 2025 at 1:22 AM
I finally..... FINALLY beat Typhon in #Hades 2. I don't think I've worked this hard in a video game in a while.
Definite Dark Souls vibe going on here.
Definite Dark Souls vibe going on here.
Google is flexing its Chrome muscles. Having this type of easy #UX simplified access has a good chance to pull in "Late adopters" as they don't care much for apps, URLs or even brands.
Note: I'm not making any supportive comments about the viability of LLMs. This is a about #UX.
Note: I'm not making any supportive comments about the viability of LLMs. This is a about #UX.
November 26, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Reposted by Scott Jenson
I've been slogging away at #hades2 and really loving it, I've "beat" Chronos 8 times now but Typhon? Totally different level of hard. I've made it to him 2 times but *barely*.
I realize this is what roguelikes do, I'm just saying I'm running out of steam...
I realize this is what roguelikes do, I'm just saying I'm running out of steam...
November 23, 2025 at 12:44 AM
I've been slogging away at #hades2 and really loving it, I've "beat" Chronos 8 times now but Typhon? Totally different level of hard. I've made it to him 2 times but *barely*.
I realize this is what roguelikes do, I'm just saying I'm running out of steam...
I realize this is what roguelikes do, I'm just saying I'm running out of steam...
So glad I went to this! (you can see me in one of the photos!) Had an exciting talk with @lukeinth.bsky.social and Yan about Xenon.
Earlier today at the sync community day. Thanks @bmann.ca for arranging.
Lots of user agency focused discussions and demos.
Lots of user agency focused discussions and demos.
November 14, 2025 at 4:05 AM
So glad I went to this! (you can see me in one of the photos!) Had an exciting talk with @lukeinth.bsky.social and Yan about Xenon.
This is YouTube's latest & it's an accessibility crime. The contrast ratio is 2:1 which is just should be a non-starter. Some clever person on the youtube team though that putting a tiny little shadow on the text would fix it but even then the contrast comes in at 3:1.
#UX #accessibility
#UX #accessibility
November 9, 2025 at 9:20 PM
This is YouTube's latest & it's an accessibility crime. The contrast ratio is 2:1 which is just should be a non-starter. Some clever person on the youtube team though that putting a tiny little shadow on the text would fix it but even then the contrast comes in at 3:1.
#UX #accessibility
#UX #accessibility
It took me "56 nights" but I finally beat Chronos last night in #Hades2 (I took a 2 week break for a trip) I feel pretty badass right now...
... even though it too me FAR longer than most to do this
... even though it too me FAR longer than most to do this
November 8, 2025 at 4:04 PM
It took me "56 nights" but I finally beat Chronos last night in #Hades2 (I took a 2 week break for a trip) I feel pretty badass right now...
... even though it too me FAR longer than most to do this
... even though it too me FAR longer than most to do this
My *wife* just got an offer to purchase *me*. I'd like to think I'm pretty progressive on nearly every social issue, but this is just a bit too far....
yes, yes, I know this is some type of scam/phishing ploy but a) it's pretty funny and b) it's just so incredibly bizarre.
yes, yes, I know this is some type of scam/phishing ploy but a) it's pretty funny and b) it's just so incredibly bizarre.
November 6, 2025 at 8:06 PM
My *wife* just got an offer to purchase *me*. I'd like to think I'm pretty progressive on nearly every social issue, but this is just a bit too far....
yes, yes, I know this is some type of scam/phishing ploy but a) it's pretty funny and b) it's just so incredibly bizarre.
yes, yes, I know this is some type of scam/phishing ploy but a) it's pretty funny and b) it's just so incredibly bizarre.
Reposted by Scott Jenson
A great talk from @jenson.org on why and how to move the desktop paradigm forward. I especially loved the prototypes/concepts; even if not perfectly refined it’s still nice to see someone put some stakes in the ground. (And FWIW I think they were all pretty solid!)
Thoroughly enjoyed speaking at #UbuntuSummit today. Thank you organizers! I spoke about the need for new foundational #UX improvements to the Desktop UX. Very lively audience!
www.youtube.com/live/WvNgMEu...
www.youtube.com/live/WvNgMEu...
Ubuntu Summit 25.10 | Day Two
YouTube video by Canonical Ubuntu
www.youtube.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:23 PM
A great talk from @jenson.org on why and how to move the desktop paradigm forward. I especially loved the prototypes/concepts; even if not perfectly refined it’s still nice to see someone put some stakes in the ground. (And FWIW I think they were all pretty solid!)
I must be doing BSky wrong because my engagement here is FAR below what I'm getting on Mastodon. Of course, I have 2x followers on Mastodon, but even taking that into account, my engagement here isn't even close.
What's weird is that there appear to be far more #UX folk here...
What's weird is that there appear to be far more #UX folk here...
November 3, 2025 at 11:30 PM
I must be doing BSky wrong because my engagement here is FAR below what I'm getting on Mastodon. Of course, I have 2x followers on Mastodon, but even taking that into account, my engagement here isn't even close.
What's weird is that there appear to be far more #UX folk here...
What's weird is that there appear to be far more #UX folk here...