How to shape great UX for companion tech | UX Conversations: Joshua To from Meta

In this UX Conversation, Ake Rudolf, Director of the UX Design Awards, sits down with Joshua To, VP of Product Design at Meta, to explore the current and future state of human-centered innovation in companion technology. Joshua shares his compelling philosophy on designing usable, useful and beautiful products, and illustrates the transformative impact of Meta’s AR glasses on the visually impaired and blind community, as well as his vision for giving back humanity’s time and upright posture.

Tune in for a candid exchange and rare insight into Meta’s commitment to great UX in shaping intelligent, fashionable objects.

Our Guest:
As Vice President of Product Design at Meta, Joshua To shapes the future of Wearables and AR – fusing technology and empathy to create seamless user experiences. With over two decades of leading cross-functional teams, he’s guided by a clear conviction: technology should empower people without getting in their way. A design technologist with a passion for visual design, fashion and forward-thinking innovation, Joshua combines deep research, human-centered design, and agile execution to bring breakthrough products to life. In Spring 2026, he joins the UX Design Awards jury, contributing his user-first perspective to the evaluation process.

Joshua is also a member of the jury for the ‪@uxdesignawards‬ – Spring 2026.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:28 Introduction to UX Conversations and Guest Background
03:31 Joshua To's Career Journey in Design and Technology
11:00 Design Philosophy: Comfort, Functionality, and Aesthetics in Wearables
12:47 Ambient Interactions and User Experience
35:21 Challenges in Gesture Recognition
39:49 Context Awareness and AI Integration
44:12 Privacy Concerns in Ambient Technology
49:11 Designing Responsibly in Large Organizations
53:58 Insights for UX Design Awards Submission



About the Format:
UX Conversations presents professional insights and personal stories by leading design personalities and the awards’ jury members. The one-on-one talks offer inspirations and valuable takeaways from diverse disciplines and professional fields, supporting designers in their own work and career.

Presented by Ake Rudolf, Head of Strategy / Award Director, International Design Center Berlin (‪@idzberlin5664‬)

Learn more about the members of the jury: https://ux-design-awards.com/jury

Visit our website: https://ux-design-awards.com/

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