In the first week of February (ironically also the first week of my new internship) I got the chance to volunteer at Interaction14, a conference organized by the Interaction Design Association. This international conference was being organized right here, in our very own Amsterdam.
I felt like the luckiest bastard to be able to be there. The conference lasted 3 days, of which I spent two days helping out here and there. Interaction14 wasn't the first conference I got to peek in on, in fact I have been lucky enough to spend a few hours at The Next Web conference in '13 en '12. But when I stood there, amongst all these interaction designers, I caught myself feeling right at home.
All the attendee's, speakers and visitors alike, we're incredibly polite. A teacher of mine said to me:
"Good interaction design can't be seen or pointed out. If it does it's work well, you won't even notice it. I think that's what makes Interaction Designers particularly humble people."
Although I wouldn't necessarily agree that interaction designers don't like to humble-brag from time to time (who doesn't really?) I think he was onto something. Where a conversation at a more commercial conference tends to get cut short as soon as they figure out you aren't worth much (being a student), every conversation at ixd14 was much more social. The people were friendly and interested. People would ask, without feigned interest "What are you working on?" and I found myself engaging effortlessly and enthusiastically with all manners of professionals.
I'd like to share with you what stood out for me at this particular conference. Although it might have lacked a bit in the tips and tricks about tackling work problems, there was plenty to take away from the talks that I got to see.
( @mryash on situational design )
This was a commonly recurring theme during the conference. Many speakers urged the community to step away from designing for screen sizes. Screen sizes do not dictate context in any way. Using a mobile phone does not mean you are running around frantically and if you stil assume so, you are missing out on some valuable opportunities.
Use the device and it's tools to help you understand the situation your user might find themselves in and design for that.
Mr. Noessel from the Cooper Institute gave us a little look in how they pair up designers to get the best out of both worlds. They pair a visual and analytical designer who compliment each others assets.
( @chrisnoessel about Pair Design )
This particular talk rang a bell in my head since during my internship I'll be working together with another intern. One thing he mentioned towards the ending of his talk was how certain techniques can also be used for designers who are not necessarily working together. Although we each have our own project and need to operate individually if we're hoping to graduate this year, we are planning on helping each other out where we can. Two pairs of eyes see more than one after all. He mentioned approaching another designer and agreeing to partner up. Every morning you'll spend 15 minutes giving advice to your partner in crime, every afternoon you'll be receiving it back about your own project.
Always keeping the feedback method in mind : Compliments first, questions second, critique last. Together you can accomplish more than alone. A fresh look can be invaluable when you are wrestling with a problem after all. I fully intend to use this approach with my 'intern-partner'.
The organizers of Interaction 14 invited several speakers that provided inspirational talks. Designers that shared their experience but also speakers from adjacent fields. Take for instance the amazing talk by Bernard Lahousse stating that food = interaction. He shared with us how the food world is constantly challenging itself to create a fuller experience by inviting all or specific senses.
( @foodpairing with his talk food = interaction)
Paulo Malabuyo shared with us all the bad design advice he's received over the years and his suggestions on making that advice better.
(Bad Design Advice by @wildchicken)
Anneli Olsen entertained us by telling us how cats are júst like users. They consider themselves to be the center of the world they live in. They are selfish, they are self-centered and we love them. She also reminded us that as a designer, we can, and should, get inspiration from just about anywhere.
(@anneli_olsen with 'Important things I learned about User Experience Design from my cat')
And so much more that I didn't get to capture on photo or even see with my own eyes. Inspiration was abundant at Interaction14. If not through the speakers, then through the challenges which ran throughout the weekend. Attempting to solve real world problems in record time.
There were a lot of bright minds at interaction 14 and as designers we tend to work hard, work harder and work the hardest. Sometimes that means our health can be put on the back burner and before you know it a little problem turned into a big one. Irene Au invited us to look at how our body's influence our minds rather than the other way around and taught us some tricks for clearing up your head when you need it. Infusing your brain with that touch of random creativity you are looking for during a brainstorming session where you've hit a wall, or replenishing your energy when you are feeling stressed.
Interaction 14 reminded me once again of why I wanted to be a designer and what tugged me towards interaction design years ago, before I started my bachelor. The ability and the drive to want to make the world a better place, if ever so slightly. These brilliant people, sharing those spaces with me for a few days, were actually doing that! And they didn't mind talking to me about it either!
Although it makes me a bit insecure in my own inability. It also makes me hope, that one day I'll be that bright and that driven and that I too will be able to design something that'll make someone's day a bit easier or more pleasant.
I really caught the bug with this conference! I do so hope that one day I'll get to attend similar conferences. Perhaps even as a professional? I can only hope! :)
( proof that I was actually there )
Curious to some of these or other talks? Take a look over at http://interaction14.ixda.org they posted high quality video's of many of the talks!
