Charlotte User Experience Meetup Group

Charlotte Grok

July 16, 2011 · 10:00 AM
The Garage at Packard Place

[grok] — verb

to intimately and completely share the same reality or line of thinking with another physical or conceptual entity
the intermingling of intelligence that necessarily affects both the observer and the observed

[ORIGIN: 1961, COINED BY AUTHOR ROBERT A. HEINLEIN IN HIS NOVEL STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND] Thanks to Joshua Blankenship for the definition.

The Origin of the Grok

The first Grok began in the tasty beer and pixel filled mind of Matthew Smith of @squaredeye & Cowork Greenville & now Zaarly.

It was an experiment gone oh so right. It was an incredible 3-day, mind-meld of awesome. Ideas were shared, friendships were made, BBQ was eaten and beer was drank.

I won't go into detail on the experiences here but I recommend you take a gander at what was said about Greenville Grok.

The Format

The day will be divided up into two hour blocks. Within those two hour blocks we will have 10/20s. 10 or 20 minute blocks of timed, rapid conversations. As we finish a 2 hour block and break for food the hope is that you take the opportunity and carry on those conversations as we socialize.

The Schedule

10:00am - 10:30am Meet & greet
10:30am - 12:30pm Block 1
12:30pm - 02:30pm Lunch (Lunch will not be provided, we will be visiting a few local restaurants to grab tasty food)
02:30pm - 04:30pm Block 2
04:30pm - ? Dinner

The Speakers

The Grok is open for anybody to lead a discussion about an idea you want to share, a business challenge, a technique or even demo something you've been working on.

You can take a few moments to plan something or present something adhoc. The planning isn't important but if you think you have something that'll hold the attention of a group of people for 10 or 20 minutes then by all means share it with us.

I've created a simple Google Form. If you're interested in sharing something at the Grok then fill out the form. It'll only take about 30 seconds.

Something Special

I'll be printing a limited (40) number of custom, large hardcover Moleskines just for the event. They will be awesome. Design courtesy of Matthew Smith.

Parking

Free parking is available next door to Packard Place. I'll have more information within the next week on the exact location.

In closing

The entire Grok is built around you and the conversations you choose to have. My only goal is that you leave with new friendships and a full brain.

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Stuart Smith

Fantastic event, looking forward to another Grok soon

0 · July 20, 2011
Christian Manzella

had a great time; wish i could have stayed for the afternoon. for my part, i wish i had done a better job of facilitating conversation on my topic instead of treating it like a lecture, but i thought the other facilitators were fantastic.

0 · July 18, 2011
Bill Fleet

Truly mind-blowing. The topics ranged all over the place, from UX to gender issues to creativity sparks. The conversations, of course were the main attraction, and they excelled. The people were fascinating: bright, passionate and all types. They made we wish I were smarter.

0 · July 17, 2011
James Morelli

I felt like it went a little long in the afternoon session. It might be fun to just to a shorter but more frequently.

0 · July 17, 2011
Christian Manzella

change of change of plans! i'll be there!

0 · July 16, 2011
Phillip Zannini

Bummer you can't make it Christian! I was looking forward to hanging with you - I'll be happy to discuss it though as we're both dealing with it :-)

0 · July 16, 2011
Christian Manzella

unfortunately, I also have to decline at the last minute. family-related issue to take care of. hopefully someone can still strike up a good conv. about agile & UX

0 · July 16, 2011
Tim Cheadle

Crap, accidentally double booked for tomorrow. Sorry for the last minute cancelation!

0 · July 16, 2011
Bermon Painter

Definitely don't stress about not finishing a presentation. Just to reiterate l, the hole idea behind a Grok is awesome conversations, with great people centered around an idea you have, something you want feedback on, something you're passionate about and wsnt to share, etc. Presentations most definitely optional.

Though I encourage something centric to the web.

0 · July 11, 2011
Natasha

Oh, that may be good. I'd like to hear what people think so I guess I will keep my ten minutes then. Thanks!

0 · July 11, 2011
Bermon Painter

@natasha You don't really have to plan anything if you don't want to. The point of doing the Grok is to have conversations. If you just want to throw your idea out there and let the group run with the conversation that's perfectly fine.

@phillip There are plenty of time slots available. Drop your idea in the form https://spreadsheets.google.com/...

0 · July 11, 2011
Phillip Zannini

I'd be happy to fill Natasha's spot on the schedule. I can send an outline by Thursday. :-) (My topic might be best for a 10 minute rather than 20)

0 · July 11, 2011
Natasha

Hey Bermon, I don't have enough time to plan my talk...so can I cancel it? Sorry :( Someone else can take my place!

0 · July 11, 2011
Bermon Painter

You have until the event on the 16th. The form is just so I can make sure there's enough topics & organize things somewhat.

0 · July 6, 2011
Maria Frey

How long do we have to decide if/what we want to talk about?

0 · June 28, 2011