UX 101 - Introduction to User Experience [DENVER]

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User experience (UX) is an exciting, ever-changing field devoted to understanding user needs and creating systems that make a positive impact in the lives of people who use them. And while UX blends the best from the liberal arts, architecture, design, and research, starting out in the discipline can be daunting. Even more confusing is the overlap between UX and many other professions: visual design, front-end coding, analytics, business analysis, and more all share the same space as user experience. With all of this going on it’s natural to question where to start, what you need to know, and how to use your existing skills.

But no worries: during this course we’ll clear away the confusion by following a typical UX process from start to finish. You’ll get the lowdown on the origins of UX and where the industry stands today before diving into research and analysis, information architecture (IA), design, and usability testing. This session is highly interactive, so don’t expect a multi-hour lecture! By the end of the day you’ll have specific tools and resources at your disposal to begin practicing UX right away – and be ready to tackle your next project with a user-focused mindset.

WHAT YOU WILL LEAVE THIS CLASS WITH:

• What UX is, key terminology and practices, what the field looks like, and what employers expect
• Specific user research and analysis techniques to determine findings and opportunities that drive design decisions
• How information architecture impacts user flows, page structures, and system design
• How wireframes play a significant role and convey key information visually
• The importance of usability testing and how it can improve your work further

PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THIS WORKSHOP:
While not required, a few books that will get you kickstarted include How to Make Sense of Any Mess (http://www.howtomakesenseofanymess.com) by Abby Covert, Mental Models (https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Models-Aligning-Strategy-Behavior/dp/1933820063) by Indi Young, and Information Architecture for the World Wide Web (https://www.amazon.com/Information-Architecture-World-Wide-Web/dp/1491911689) by Peter Morville, Louis Rosenfeld, and Jorge Arango.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:
• Your laptop & charger
• Wifi will be provided

THIS WORKSHOP/CLASS IS TAUGHT BY PAUL McALEER
Paul McAleer is an Associate Experience Director at Rightpoint in Denver. Paul has been a computer geek since the age of 5 since there was a Commodore VIC-20 under the Christmas tree. Since then, Paul has shifted from programming into design and UX in order to more positively and directly impact the way people interact with technology. Paul has presented at conferences including CreativeMornings Denver, SXSW, WebVisions, and World IA Day, and is an advocate for tacos.

QUESTIONS?
We're here to help! If you have additional questions or would like to talk further before signing up for an event, please contact Cara Jo Miller, Louisa Barrett, or Bree Thomas at boulder@girldevelopit.com

LOCATION:
SendGrid Denver
1801 California Street

TRANSIT OPTIONS:

Take the H and D light rail lines to the 18th & California stop.
Take the free 16th Street Mall Ride or the Free MetroRide to the California Street stop.

HOSTED BY:
SendGrid is our space and food host for this event!

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NOTE: If we have less than 5 people signed up for this event up to a week before the starting date, it will be postponed for a later date.

We are offering scholarships on a limited basis for students with financial need. Please complete our scholarship application [http://gdiboulder.com/scholarship] if you are interested.

If you do not have access to a laptop computer, please email boulder@girldevelopit.com. GDI Boulder/Denver-- has loaner laptops for those who do not have access to one.

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Get to know the GDI Boulder/Denver community — join us on Slack (http://slack.gdiboulder.com/)!

All attendees are expected to abide by the Girl Develop It Code of Conduct (http://www.girldevelopit.com/codeofconduct) [http://www.girldevelopit.com/codeofconduct].

Our program and curriculum are geared toward adults over the age of 18; at this time we do not accept minors as students in our courses and workshops.