Hello! exploreUX is kicking off a brand new series called Tools ‘n’ Techniques! We’ll be exploring how UX practitioners in our community are using the different tools and techniques in our line of work. We’re often working in different capacities and have iterated through our process for various activities. Everyone’s always curious to know how others are trying different tools or methods to streamline our process, communicate more effectively, and help understand our users better. This series will offer the opportunity for current practitioners to share various tools/techniques, which they find helpful.

The series will kick off with a round of lightning talks in mid-June!

What’s a tool or technique?

A tool can be anything from a software application to a plug-in to a spreadsheet template.  A technique or methodology is a way to accomplish a task and it’s based on specialized procedures (e.g., affinity mapping, card sorting, guerilla usability testing, etc.)

What’s the format?

We’ll have a guest speaker present a tool or technique and explain what it is, when to use it, why it works, and how to use it. We have three different formats for event evenings:

Quick Dip

6-8 speakers will each present a lightning talk. Lightning talks are 5-minute presentations with 20 slides that advance every 15 seconds. Depending on submissions, they may or may not be around a theme. Sounds intense, but it’s really fun!

Themed Night

2-3 speakers will each present 20-minute talk around a theme (e.g., Sketch plug-ins or User Research)

Deep Dive

1-2 speakers will each present a 20-30 minute talk around a tool/technique accompanied by an activity lab for you to try some of it out!

Who should present?

You! Everyone has something to offer whether they’re brand new or seasoned in the UX field, or even if they’re transitioning to UX or dabble in it. Chances are, you have something you can teach within a 5- or 20-minute talk. We’re looking for awesome people to present a tool or technique that they love because it makes their job easier; is fun to use; or it works well when working with coworkers, clients, or stakeholders.

How can I present?

Glad you asked! To submit a talk, please fill out this form. We’ll be hosting a lightning talk session on Thursday, June 22nd, 2017, so, if you’re interested in presenting a 5-minute talk, please submit by Friday, May 5th, 2017, 11pm EDT. Otherwise, we are accepting presentations on a rolling basis, so you can submit any time (and you’re welcome to submit more than one tool or technique!)