Designing Joy Through Hardware: Ashley from Aura Frames

In this episode of The Hardtech Podcast, hosts DeAndre Harakas and Grant Chapman are joined by Ashley Phillips, Head of Product at Aura Frames, to discuss how technology and design can foster genuine human connection. Ashley shares her journey from the world of software to leading product at a company that blends elegant hardware and powerful software to help families stay close without turning users into products. She reveals how Aura’s in-house hardware, firmware, and design teams enable rapid development, agility, and unmatched quality in consumer electronics. The discussion explores: How Aura’s product philosophy centers on joy and connection rather than data monetization. Why Aura rejected subscription models in favor of delivering long-term product value. The power of vertically integrated design for speed, quality, and resilience. Lessons from navigating OTA firmware updates and maintaining millions of devices in the field. How small UX improvements like captions and touch interactions create massive engagement. The importance of customer feedback loops and product-market fit in hardtech. This episode offers an inside look at how Aura Frames became the category leader by building hardware that doesn’t just display memories it strengthens relationships. Special Guest: Ashley Phillips.