What is UX and where does it fit?

Details
UX is often considered a development protocol. But is that enough?
What would happen if UX were applied to entire product life-cycles? This idea isn't new, and has been applied by The First User of Boulder to various products for several years to great success. In the last 6 months, The First User has worked with app and web products, outdoor gear, and automotive companies in applying UX to 'product,' rather than to 'development.'
Brian Baker, managing partner at The First User, will be discussing this approach to Great UX and how he installs this methodology to companies of all sorts. He is curious to begin a debate over 'where UX belongs' in an organization and is excited to hear the thoughts of Boulder UX professionals, developers, and designers who are members of the Boulder UX meetup.
Agenda:
- Meet and greet (6:30PM-7:00PM)
- Presentation (7:00PM)
- Q/A (8:00PM-?)
- Debate?
Bio:
Brian Baker was the founder of the leading Usability shop in San Francisco during the dot-com, and is now the Managing Partner of The First User in Boulder, CO. The First User is a top-tier User Experience (UX) firm with clients in mobile, venture-funded startups, web and outdoor gear.
Mr. Baker believes that UX is the final frontier of product development, and teaches his clients how to make truly user-centered product... product that is a joy to use and interact with.
Mr. Baker often speaks on the topic of UX, product development, and how Great UX can sharply increase ROI. He sits on three boards, has three current investments in CE and mobile, and motorcycles through the Rockies in his spare time.

What is UX and where does it fit?