Next week it’s Brighton UX 2017: Designing for complexity and we can’t wait! If you haven’t already picked up your tickets they are still available here.
UX Brighton 2016 brought us talks about ways to eschew traditional thinking and examine better ways to model and think about the world.
Jillian Wells showed us how Jobs-to-be-done (JTBD) is an efficient, flexible research methodology, Dave Snowden identified new methods and ways of thinking which arise from the complexity theory, cognitive science and anthropology, and Stef Lewandowski showed us how new startup methods can be applied to non startup companies.
The world we live and work in is becoming more and more complex. There’s more data available, more products on the market, more competition, emerging skills, emerging tech, the list goes on… this all adds up to complexity and chaos! UX Brighton 2017 is focusing on how we can confront these complexities and improve the way we create digital products, such as responsive websites and mobile apps.
You can see the full 2017 lineup here but these are the talks us folks in the Angry Creative design team are looking forward to:
Aleksandra Melnikova: Breaking the (design) confines
“In the race for profitability, digital agencies rush to establish processes to ensure stable and successful delivery. Those processes can often feel very mechanic, almost like an assembly line. But they often forget something. Good design is not done in established phases. It comes from multiple drivers, from courage and from change, above all. It comes from unexpected associations, from art and philosophy, from metaphors and connections. My talk is based around exploring the connections between design and multiple (seemingly unrelated) disciplines, with a focus on methods and techniques that enable people to create richer design artefacts and experiences (extending beyond digital).”
This feels very relevant right now, especially as iterative design processes are becoming more and more commonplace. These iterative, agile approaches combined with time pressures can lead to Designers feeling like the process leaves no room for creativity and exploration. So I’m keen to hear how Aleks works around this and how she creates unexpected connections between design and multiple disciplines to create richer design experiences. – Tom, Designer
Daniel Harris: Differentiating with Design Activism
“We’re in an incredible era of unprecedented technological opportunity where anything we can imagine can be built. As designers, we’re at the forefront of making this technology work for organisations. The question is, are we pointing this power in a positive direction?”
I’m excited for Daniel’s talk. When working with clients it’s easy to focus on your immediate responsibilities and their requirements without considering the influence of our job role to ensure things are better for the users, not just the bottom line. I’m intrigued to see Harris’ perspective on this. – Jasper, Designer
James Box: Swimming in Complexity
“New projects feel great. Everything is possible. You’re working with a new team, full of ambition. This is the one you’ve been waiting for. A chance to use all those new methods, embrace new mindsets and design the killer user experience you know you have in you… Then something changes”
I love the sound of James’ talk and can really relate. Anyone who works with clients and teams will be more than familiar with the unexpected twists and turns projects can take. The folks at ClearLeft usually give sound advice, so I’m all ears to anyone with insight or a fresh perspective on this subject. – Rich, Creative Director.
UX Brighton 2017 sounds like it’s going to be a good one, and we can’t wait to share what we’ve learnt following the event.