Age & Innovation

This weekend, I’m giving a talk about ageism in the tech industry at UX Camp Spring 2024. I’m not covering ageism in technology design — although there is plenty to talk about on that topic — but about the overwhelming fact that the tech industry suffers from an ageist mentality that holds it back.

One rationalization for ageism in the tech industry that I will be discussing is that older people simply can’t innovate like their younger peers. That statement has some truth to it: older people don’t innovate like younger people. Instead, as I have gotten older, I’ve found innovation to be a tool I use to improve other people’s lives rather than a goal to enhance my personal reputation.

Experience has a tendency to temper your creative abilities, making them stronger and providing you more confidence. This confidence can lead to a desire to “rest on your laurels” for some, but not necessarily so. 

Innovation and creativity, while not synonyms are symbiotically linked, one requiring the other. What both traits rely on is maintaining what many call a “growth mindset”.

A growth mindset is often associated with youth because they are still growing. The human brain has not fully matured until you are in your mid twenties, so growth is required.

Yet a growth mindset isn’t about just trying new ideas. It is about:

1. Embracing challenges
2. Persisting against obstacles
3. Mastering skills
4. Learning from criticism

Learning to not give up when things get difficult, perfecting skills through practice, and taking criticism without taking offense are all signs of maturity.

When I was young, I craved the attention that coming up with an innovative idea would bring me. I was part of the “work fast and break things” culture that permeated the tech industry, without much regard for the consequences of disruption. 

As I have matured and seen the results of this mentality, I have focused more on the outcomes of innovation rather than a desire to upset the status quo. Innovation sometimes has to challenge our assumptions to make things better, but disruption simply for the sake of disruption isn’t innovation, it’s just purposeless vandalism.

Want to hear more about ageism in the tech industry?

UX Camp Spring brings together creative minds for a day filled with fresh insights, engaging discussions, and hands-on experiences.

Through community-led presentations and powerful keynotes, participants can connect with peers, learn from experts, and gain fresh perspectives.

Join us and fuel your creative spark!

And it’s all online— This is a 1-day conference that delivers great content at a price that lets anyone attend, from anywhere: Free or $13.50, you decide.

Register now → https://www.chicagocamps.org/event/ux-camp-spring-2024/