Things I learned at Snow*Mobile 2014
Last weekend, I went to a mobile design conference in Madison called Snow*Mobile (clever, right?) It was a total blast, and I learned a lot. I figured it would be to my benefit (and hopefully, maybe, the benefit of others) to sum up some of the most important things I learned in a blog post! So, without further ado, here's some lessons about design, development, and life in general:
Constraints can actually kind of rock.
The second talk of the conference, given by Shay Howe, was probably one of the most interesting to me. He addressed the idea that constraints (specifically in design, but I think this could also apply to development) help us make decisions, improve experiences, increase productivity, and help us to grow and learn. A blank Photoshop document can sit as an intimidating, monolithic structure that you just have no idea how to tackle without some rules. Constraints help us use fewer resources by providing clear challenges to overcome, rather than a mess of hurdles thrown randomly about the track. Having regulations removes distractions, helps with focus and can also help us stretch out of our comfort zone by breaking our habits. Overall, having some restrictions on your design can actually benefit you. I think this is something I've noticed during my time in design school so far, but I have never seen it addressed, nor have I heard professors talk about it. In fact, many of my professors have said to enjoy the time we have on projects with little to no restraints, because in the industry, we'll be overcome with rules. Honestly, though, I never liked those projects as much as those that had a little more direction.
Learning a new coding language is rough, but YOU CAN DO IT! (insert inspiring music here)
Did that sound sarcastic? I really hope not. I'm totally serious about the inspiring music. Play some next time you finish a tough coding problem; bask in the idea that you're awesome (because you are). Sorry, I'm getting off topic. Glynnis Ritchie started the conference with tips on 'drinking from the fire hose' that is programming (in whatever language). She included things that I have heard before (but were still good to hear again), like to step away from the keyboard once in a while, and to try to focus your learning and not pile on many other things at the same time. One of the most valuable things I think I heard from her, though, was to revisit the things you're good at when you're frustrated. If you're learning JavaScript, for example, and really struggling, maybe head back to a pure HTML/CSS project, if that's your area of expertise. Do something that restores your confidence and your drive to keep going. She also mentioned to build a support network, which I think is said a lot; however, I almost always hear that we should gather mentors who are experts in the field, and she emphasized also making connections with other learners. I think that was a really great tip, because experts can start to take things for granted that come naturally to them at this point, whereas other learners will know that everything is as new to you as it is to them, and they should take certain parts slowly. You can swap tips equally, and learn from each other. Finally, just like everything in life, communication is key.
Hamburgers are on the rise (and other tips about mobile device usage)
The infamous hamburger menu is becoming more widely recognized now then ever; however, it's still not quite universal. Pamela Pavliscak addressed this in her incredibly solid talk about how people use mobile design. I was honestly blown away by how prepared and knowledgeable she was, with an incredible amount of facts and a genuine curiosity and excitement about the subject matter that came through when she spoke. Ah, sorry, the inner high school speech team member in me is coming out. The point is, on top of being a great speaker to listen to, Pamela gave some great tips on mobile design. Having obvious cues for users by taking care that your icons are very clear and your interactive spots actually look interactive is important. Users are less likely to tap randomly on the screen than they would be to click around on a computer screen (and they can't get the little hover state hand, either). Icons can be very confusing if they aren't widely recognized. People go to great lengths to avoid typing (for example, logging into an app with Facebook rather than typing an email and password). Users won't always look all the way at the bottom of the screen, so keeping the most important information closer to the top is wise. Finally, AGAIN, make sure that your interactions are clear! People can mistake icons for a 'part of the design'. One of the few hard facts I actually took down was that 30% more users will tap on a hamburger menu that has a border or box around it. Overall, it's just important to remember that mobile browsing is far newer technology than desktop browsing, and you want to make sure that your user feels as comfortable as possible.
A lot of other really great things that I can't fit into one blog post
I would love to talk about everything that I learned at the conference, but let's be real: I learned a lot, and I can get a little long-winded, so I should probably try to wrap this up fairly soon (let's see if I actually can). Matt Luedke gave a great talk about thinking about your app in terms of a game, and establishing patterns. It's important that a pattern can be learned easily, but also doesn't get too comfortable or become dull. Clarissa Peterson talked about responsive typography, which would honestly be a lot to type up; shoot me an email if you want some of my noes, or maybe reach out to her directly. There were a lot of other great talks, too (the future of mobile banking, fast prototyping strategies for UI design, how google glass can/should be used and how it relates to sci-fi films, etc.).
Finally, non-design/dev-related-things
-If you get the chance, GO TO MADISON. I had never been before and it was super rad.
-Hostels are pretty sweet.
-Keep track of how much money you're spending on a weekend away (whoops!)
-Comedy clubs are also pretty sweet.
-Comfortable walking shoes are important.
-Make the most of your time at conferences. If there's a talk happening that you know will be totally over your head, maybe take that time to rest and digest the other information you've learned.
-If you see a sign for a Daft Punk tribute show happening that night, go (duh).
Welp, there you have it. A weekend of intense learning and little sleep condensed into a rather long post. Now I'm off to put these lessons to use and start my Saturday full of design and development...and dinner with a friend tonight, so as not to get totally overwhelmed by drinking from the fire hose. :)