I typically attend design and creative conferences, but this year I decided to try something a little different. I’ve followed the UXPA International organization for a bit on Twitter, and so I’d been keeping an eye out on any events they may have in the states… ok so the Coronado Bay in San Diego location didn’t hurt either. So far, it's been interesting. Very research oriented, which is different but cool and so necessary for great design!
The keynote this morning by Neema Moraveji was inspiring. I will add photos as soon as possible but wanted to get my thoughts out there to share.
Here are my take aways from it:
- Consider mindfulness. How mental and physical health is affected by interaction or an experience.
- Grow, Design, Repeat.
- “Easy to use is just not enough anymore” - it’s a relationship
- Consider human factors (transparent technology)
- Feedback can shift a user perspective
- Commitment to this quality of design requires my growth as a designer
- The more a user can relate, the better the quality of experience. This creates natural empathy.
- Emails (systems) that exploit our attention detract from our values. We need to consider user values and goals and support these. Not only support, but communicate how the user is being supported back to them. (example of Google Maps showing calories in the Walking Route option)
- “Confident Humility” the fail whale from Twitter example. They are focusing on what they do well in this example, and acknowledging they messed up but are still good at their main focus (and then help).
My favorite bullet points from the talk:
- Consider friction and challenge in an interface being OK. The more skill you can provide a user the less boredom, therefore higher engagement.
- Get users motivated. Coaches don’t just make things easier, they pump you up.
- Make the challenge clear, inspire.
- Create reward for more challenge - this is better than simply being easy for the sake of being easy. This lends to their values. Give them a mission. This is refreshing.
- Iterate.
- UX = relationship.
- Calculated risk, own it.
- Link state of mind with products.