UX in ATX

Design Skills Framework: Skills to advance your career and build wholesome teams
2022-11-17 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago)
11/17 @ 6:00pm-7:30pm (rescheduled from 10/27)

Developing both the depth and breadth of your skills is essential to becoming an effective collaborator and influential designer.Do you want to learn how identifying individual skill clusters could not only advance your career but also promote effective teams?Andreina Dyer will lead night two of this workshop with golden nuggets of information on how individuals, managers, and teams can use the T-shaped skill framework to facilitate collaboration, optimize team performance, and honor employees’ unique skill sets.

Figma Workshop: How to use auto-layout
2022-12-08 18:30 - 19:30
Learning a new tool such as auto-layout can be confusing or challenging for many designers, but Figma offers some extremely powerful and useful mechanics that can drastically improve your designs. In this session, our Figma expert, Nathan Flores, will begin by walking through auto-layout and its ability to provide consistency, flexibility, and a guideline for future work. By the end of the workshop, designers will be able to use, implement, and observe the benefits of auto-layout.Things we’ll cover:

Why auto-layout is valuable (design system, consistency, auto-resizing)

Learning all things auto-layout

How to apply auto-layout to designs and use cases

Showcase a finished design that implements talking points

How to Rock Your Personal Brand on Social Media
2023-01-17 18:30 - 19:30
New Year, New You!

Struggling to solidify your personal brand identity? LinkedIn profile not capturing the sparkle you could bring to a new project or team?

See the UX in ATX recap with special guest: Sha-Lene Pung who discusses how to develop your personal brand on LinkedIn and other social media.

Sha-Lene presents 10 simple steps that professionals can take to optimize personal brands and profiles. Start shining with a LinkedIn makeover to kick off 2023!

Register on meetup for the link to register for this Zoom event.

UX in ATX Armadillo Den Happy Hour
2023-02-03 17:00 - 18:00
Attention UX in ATX resident Austinites! Join us for an in-person happy hour at Armadillo Den on Friday, February 3rd from 5:00-7:00pm.

Grab a frozen drink from the bar, munch on a snack from one of the food trucks, and come socialize with other amazing Austin-based UX peeps so we can meet each other IRL and not behind the camera!

Please RSVP to this Meetup event so we know how many people to expect. We’ll have a sign that says “UX in ATX” at one of the large outdoor tables so you can find us. Parking can be tricky (lot available, but fills up quickly); rideshares encouraged (presenting rideshare receipt gets you 10% off your tab)!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Making your Usability Studies Accessible
2023-02-28 18:30 - 19:30
You want to include participants with disabilities in your usability studies, but where do you start? UX in ATX invited presenter Erica Braverman to speak on how to bring accessibility into all stages of planning and running a usability study, and the skills you can use to develop accessible studies for your own research needs.

UX Designers and Researchers Meet Up
2023-03-14 16:00 - 17:00
* This is an official SXSW event and requires a badge.

This meetup will allow user experience professionals from around the globe to network and meet with each other, exchange ideas, and plan future collaboration. Hosted by UX in ATX, this meetup is intended to create a community of UX practitioners attending SXSW through in-person interaction and networking.

Creative Burnout - Ignite Your Spark!
2023-03-30 18:30 - 19:30
Feeling stuck lately, as if your gas tank of internal creative resources has landed on empty?

That’s creative burnout, and it’s a signpost telling us that it’s time to grow.

Join UX in ATX and Coach Steph online as she teaches us how we can combat our burnout and turn it into an opportunity to unleash our potential.

Date: 3/30/23Time: 6:30-7:30 pm CSTSpeaker: Steph Sansoucie

Escaping the Bad Design Echo Chamber: 4 Easy Steps
2023-04-27 18:30 - 19:30
Just because you saw it on the internet, doesn’t mean it’s good design.

Many of today’s UX designers are new to the field, self taught, or straight out of boot camp. Others of us are overtaxed with projects or leashed by short timelines for deliverables. In cases like this, we look online for existing work to inform our design choices. What many of us may not realize when we do this is how much bad design there is out there, and that we may be using it to our own disadvantage.

As the UX profession grows and demands on our teams increase, the tendency to use designs without checking them for their potential success with our specific users becomes a self perpetuating problem – the bad design echo chamber. By revisiting some essential UX skills and applying a critical evaluation, we can move beyond social proofing to good design.

About Our Speaker: Christene Fair

As a practicing UX designer, Christene has worked with a variety of clients from small startups at the Harvard Innovation Labs to large corporations like CVS. Her projects have scaled the digital media landscape from web, mobile web, to native app. She prefers to operate with a Lean UX methodology, embedded with engineering/development, other stakeholders, and product team members to bridge the gap between user needs and business goals.As an educator, Christene was first a graduate teaching assistant in the Harvard program where she received my master’s degree. After a few terms, she began developing and teaching my own courses – first for New England College and now at Northeastern University.

Breathing Life into Your Prototypes with Figma Microinteractions
2023-05-25 18:30 - 19:30
As (UX) designers, we strive to create intuitive, delightful, and memorable user experiences. Microinteractions, the small yet impactful moments that occur during user interactions, play a crucial role in shaping these experiences. In this session, you’ll discover:

The impact of microinteractions on user engagement and satisfaction.

Designing meaningful microinteractions that support your product goals.

Utilizing Figma’s prototyping tools, including Smart Animate, Variants, and Interactive Components, to craft engaging microinteractions.

Tips for achieving natural, responsive, and delightful interactions.

Speaker: Vaishnavi Dwivedi

UX in ATX Happy Hour
2023-06-02 17:00 - 19:00
Join fellow UX in ATX members at Central Machine Works in Austin for good times. (Rescheduled from April)

Central Machine Works is dog and (kid) friendly.

Find the brewery at: 4824 EAST CESAR CHAVEZ STREET AUSTIN, TX, 78702.

Their parking lot is located on E. 5th St. (across from Justine’s Brasserie) and there is some street parking in the neighborhood.

UX Frontiers: Artificial Intelligence in Design
2023-06-22 10:00 - 15:00
UX in ATX presents a day filled of expert presentations on a topic many UX practitioners want to know about — Artificial Intelligence.

Join us June 22 from 10-3pm CT for the first UX Frontiers conference, from UX in ATX.

Networking for Gold
2023-08-10 18:30 - 19:30
How your network can help you get noticed and get hired:Are you sending out resume after resume but have not gotten any responses? Are you stuck in a dead-end job and don’t know how to get the job you long for? A robust network can help you build meaningful connections, leading to hidden job opportunities, valuable mentorship, and career advancement. In this seminar, Chris Gay will share practical tips and real-world success stories that will empower you to confidently navigate the job market and land your dream job.

Design Thinking for Career Progression
2023-09-26 18:30 - 19:30
UX leader Sarah Alme will share a host of tools and tactics to evaluate the current state of your career, recognize your superpowers, and identify a potential career progression by leveraging Design Thinking methodologies.

Strategies for Hiring UX Professionals in Start-up & Conventional Sectors
2023-10-12 18:30 - 19:30
With recent shifts in big tech, traditional sectors are proving that total experience can revolutionize outcomes. This panel session unveils how emerging and non-tech industries can secure the best UX and human factors minds, paving the way for remarkable user experiences.

Speakers

Trey Roady, Senior Behavioral Researcher at ChaiOne

Laura Klein, Director UX Design, Indeed

Lena Clark, Expert UX Researcher in the Innovation Lab, Charles Schwab

Lawrence Humphrey, Founder & CEO of Pearl

Julia DeBari, Head of Design Operations, Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design

Getting Interviews as an Emerging Designer
2023-11-30 18:30 - 19:30
In this event, our panelists discussed how to get that UX design interview and stand out with your portfolio. They conducted a workshop portfolio review.

Enhancing Your Problem-Solving Skills in Job Interviews
2024-01-30 18:30 - 19:30
In this workshop with our guest Lena Clark of Sunflower UX, participants learned how to How to effectively communicate your unique problem-solving processes during job interviews. Including:

Articulating your thought process

Using industry-specific language, and

Showcasing your unique approach to UX challenges

UX Social Hour
2024-03-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Austin Eastciders Collaboratory – Taproom, 979 Springdale Rd Ste. 130, Austin, Texas, 78702, United States
Join us for happy hour and time to chat and get to know each other in person!Let’s put work aside, get ready for SXSW, and enjoy a drink together.

SXSW Official Event: UX Researchers and Designers Meetup
2024-03-11 11:30 - 12:30
This event requires a SXSW badge to attend.

UX researchers and designers work best when we can stay connected as a community, no matter where we are. UX in ATX is back for a second, successful year to host our friends across the globe to talk shop, share resources and tools, and look to the future for where our profession is taking us. We’ll meet up to connect UXer’s with mentors, discuss the impact of AI on our work, and make new friends.

UX Job Club March 17
2024-03-17 18:00 - 19:00
Join the UX Job Club!

This is an informal bi-monthly, virtual session where participants ask questions and help each other in their job hunts.

Designer Idea Exchange
2024-03-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Standard Beagle, 7801 N Lamar Blvd, B-163, Austin, Texas, 78752, United States
Sometimes we need a little help finding inspiration in the work we do. Join us Wednesday March 27 for an in-person idea exchange.

Network with other UX’ers then we’ll gather round the whiteboard to share ideas and inspiration.

Strategic Career Foresight: UX Themes for 2025 and Beyond
2024-04-02 18:00 - 19:00
What should designers think about in keeping their career future forward? Join us for a two-part event.

In our first half, UX in ATX co-founder Cindy Brummer will share insights from SXSW 2024 on what’s ahead for design. Then, UX in ATX co-founder Andreina Dyer will segue into a discussion with attendees about the career topics that they need and preview our UX book.

UX Job Club March 31 - Rescheduled
2024-04-07 18:00 - 19:00

UX Job Club April 14
2024-04-14 18:00 - 19:00

UX Job Club April 28
2024-04-28 18:00 - 19:00

WEATHER CANCELLATION - UX Social Hour
2024-05-01 17:30 - 19:30 | Austin Eastciders Collaboratory – Taproom, 979 Springdale Rd Ste. 130, Austin, Texas, 78702, United States
Hi everyone,

Severe thunderstorms are expected this evening. Rather than have you make the trek and risk the weather, let’s go ahead and cancel this evening. We are working with Austin Eastciders for a date in late May, early June.

Ooops, we’re doing it again! Join us for happy hour and time to chat and get to know each other in person!Let’s put work aside, get ready for the heat, and enjoy a drink together.

UX Job Club May 12
2024-05-12 18:00 - 19:00

Portfolio Workshop
2024-05-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Standard Beagle, 7801 N Lamar Blvd, B-163, Austin, Texas, 78752, United States
Join us for an in-person portfolio review, hosted by Sunflower UX.

Are you ready to transform your UX portfolio from good to great? Join Sunflower UX for an immersive workshop designed to elevate your portfolio and showcase your unique talent. Led by Lena Clark, an Expert UX Researcher and passionate mentor, this workshop is your ticket to standing out in the competitive tech job market.

We’ll gather in a smaller group to review portfolios and learn helpful tips on ways to make improvements.

There is limited space, so please be sure to sign up ahead of time!

What You’ll Gain:

Expert Guidance: Lena Clark will share her insights on creating impactful portfolios that catch the eye of industry leaders.

Hands-On Experience: Bring your laptop and current portfolio, complete or not, and work on real-time improvements.

Community Support: Engage with peers who are just as passionate about UX as you are, creating opportunities for feedback and collaboration.

Who Should Attend:

Whether you’re a recent graduate, looking to pivot into UX, or seeking to polish your existing portfolio, this workshop is tailored for those eager to make a mark in the UX world.

Workshop Details:

Bring: Your laptop and access to your current UX portfolio.

Perfect for: UX enthusiasts of any level, especially those looking to make a career leap or fine-tune their presentation skills.

How Product Managers Can Better Leverage UX
2024-05-22 18:30 - 19:30
Join us for an panel discussion focusing on the symbiotic relationship between product managers and user experience teams. Today, most PM’s understand the value of UX, but in many organizations, they treat UX as implementers when UX can be so much more.

In fact, the strategic collaboration between Product Managers and UX experts is crucial for delivering exceptional user-centric products.

During this enriching session, our panel of industry veterans will explore effective strategies, challenges, and best practices for product managers to maximize the potential of their collaboration with UX professionals. From aligning goals to bringing UX into the process much earlier, attendees will gain valuable insights into optimizing this essential partnership to drive product success.

Key discussion points will include:

The evolving role of product managers in championing UX within the product development lifecycle.

Techniques for fostering seamless collaboration and communication between product managers and UX.

Leveraging UX expertise to inform and guide early product decisions and enhance user satisfaction.

Overcoming common barriers and misconceptions that hinder effective strategic collaboration between product managers and UX teams.

Real-world examples and case studies highlighting successful partnerships between product managers and UX.

Whether you’re a seasoned product manager seeking to refine your collaboration skills or a UX professional aiming to strengthen your partnership with product management, this panel discussion offers valuable insights and actionable strategies.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how product managers can harness the expertise of UX professionals to create impactful, user-centered products.

Panelists

Tulsi Patel

Tulsi is a product management and UX leader with over 13 years of experience focusing on enterprise B2B SaaS and on-premise software. She led teams of UX designers and researchers to identify user needs, build empathy for users and design intuitive experiences. She shifted into product management to learn how to make better informed product decisions that solve user problems and balance user needs and with business goals. Previously she was a Senior Product Manager at SolarWinds and Riverbed and is currently looking for her next PM role.

Katie Cole

Katie Cole is a Product Strategist who works with organizations to create products and services that will delight their end users. Katie has spent over a dozen years helping high-tech companies in various industries connect with the exact markets they seek to serve and build solutions to the problems they have. She draws on her diverse work and volunteer experience in marketing, UX, and product.

UX Social Hour - Let's Get Cosmic in June
2024-06-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Cosmic Saltillo, 1300 E 4th St, Austin, Texas, 78702, United States
We’re getting cosmic in June and staying cool! Join us for another UX Social Hour, UX in ATX style!Meet fellow UXer’s and find out why UX in ATX is the most welcoming UX group in Austin.

TOPIC CHANGE: SEO Fundamentals for UX'ers
2024-06-20 18:30 - 19:30
Our original topic on mental fitness for creatives had to be postponed. Fortunately, we found a great topic so the event could go on!

UX Designer and owner of Making Waves Web Solutions Heather Herrick will present:

SEO Fundamentals for UX’ers

If you are working on any website, this topic is for you. Heather will explain what to think about as a researcher and designer and how you should communicate SEO design needs to the development team.
