RoadToUXI’24 Meetup Experience: A Day of Insight, Inspiration, and Innovation
Attending the #RoadToUXI24 Preconference Meetups today was an unforgettable experience. The event, beautifully organized with Coditas as the event partner and Friends of Figma, Pune as the community partner. The day was a hub of creativity, learning, and networking. Here’s a detailed account of my day, filled with profound insights and meaningful connections.
10:00 AM:
As the day began, I headed to the Coditas office located in Viman Nagar. I arrived at 10:00 AM, excited to see what the day had in store. The venue was buzzing with energy, cheerful smiles, and curious minds.
After a warm welcome, we dove into icebreakers to meet everyone. It was nice to chat with people who were also interested in UX and design like me. Over coffee, we got to know each other better and shared our excitement for the day ahead.
Agenda of the Event:
The agenda of the event was to spread awareness about the UXINDIA conference that happens every year. We learned what UXINDIA is about and what we can gain from attending it. Additionally, we were rewarded for attending this meetup with a 20% off coupon for the conference.
After the icebreakers, the main event started with a lineup of 4 key speakers. I’ll share my learnings and 1 key takeaway from each of the talks below:
Pravin Balaji Dhayfule: Why UX is not only about Design and Frontend
Pravin’s talk was a revelation. He emphasized that UX extends far beyond just design and frontend development, delving into the importance of UX in cybersecurity. One striking point he made was how cybercriminals could potentially become excellent UX designers due to their extensive user research skills. This perspective opened my eyes to the multifaceted nature of UX and its critical role in ensuring security and user satisfaction. The intersection of cybersecurity and UX is an area ripe for exploration, and Pravin’s insights were both eye-opening and thought-provoking.
Jayalaxmi Dinni: Understanding Design Debt
Jayalaxmi’s discussion on design debt was equally compelling. She introduced the Feature Creep Analogy, explaining how companies often bombard users with continuous updates, resulting in a steep learning curve. This analogy struck a chord with me as it highlighted the delicate balance between innovation and usability. It reminded me of the importance of mindful design practices that prioritize user ease and adaptability over sheer volume of features.
Jayalaxmi’s talk was a timely reminder of the consequences of overwhelming users and the need for a balanced approach to product updates.
Himanshu Abhyankar: Micro Movements — The Magic of Tiny Interactions and Motion
Himanshu’s session was a delightful dive into the world of motion design. He argued that motion design can be more powerful than words, using micro-interactions to convey complex ideas efficiently. One example he shared was how a simple animation could explain a process more effectively than a lengthy text. This resonated deeply with me, as it underscored the potential of visual communication in enhancing user experience. He introduced the DII Framework: Delight drives Interest, and Interest drives user investment.
Himanshu’s engaging presentation style and insightful examples made him one of the standout speakers of the day.
Sharmilee Sarkar: Building Empathy in AR/VR — The Power of Words in Immersive Worlds
Sharmilee’s talk took us into the immersive worlds of AR and VR, focusing on the power of UX writing. She introduced us to the psychological concept of Emotional Catharsis, explaining how well-crafted narratives can evoke deep emotional responses in users. Sharmilee also touched on conversation design, highlighting its role in creating engaging and empathetic user experiences. Her talk was a testament to the power of words in shaping immersive environments and left me with a new appreciation for the art of UX writing.
Networking and Building Connections
Beyond the inspiring talks, the #RoadToUXI24 PreConference Meetups were a fantastic networking opportunity. I had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with several brilliant minds, forging new friendships and professional connections. A special shoutout to Nirbhay, Prathamesh, Sanika, Himanshu, Khushi for the engaging conversations and insights. It was invigorating to exchange ideas and experiences with fellow design enthusiasts, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table.
I also had the chance to interact with many engineering and design students, offering guidance and sharing my journey in the design field. It was rewarding to see their enthusiasm and passion for UX, and I was happy to contribute to their learning experience.
Reflections and Takeaways
The #RoadToUXI24 PreConference Meetups were more than just a conference; they were a journey of learning and inspiration. The insights gained from the speakers, coupled with the enriching networking opportunities, made it a truly memorable experience. As I reflect on the day, I feel inspired and energized, ready to incorporate these learnings into my work and continue growing in the UX field.
A big thank you to the organizers, Coditas, and Friends of Figma, Pune, for creating such a remarkable event. I look forward to future conferences and the continued exchange of knowledge and ideas in our vibrant design community.
#RoadToUXI24 #DesignConference #UserExperience #Networking #Learning #Growth #DesignCommunity #Coditas #FriendsofFigmaPune
