GRWebDev Powered by LaFleur presents Emily Lynn: What is User Experience (UX)?

GRWebDev Powered by LaFleur presents Emily Lynn
What is User Experience (UX)?
Start Garden (2 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503)
Monday, March 23rd 2026, 6pm - 8pm

Many have heard of User Experience or “UX”. But what is it, exactly, and how is it used? Join us for a high-level overview from Emily Lynn.

LOCATION
Start Garden is located in Bamboo Grand Rapids at 2 Fulton St. West. Enter the Fulton Street entrance just west of the corner of Fulton and Division and follow the signs to the event space.

PARKING
Parking is available in the Gallery Ramp on Commerce just south of Fulton as well as on nearby streets. (Pro tip: Weston, Sheldon, and LaGrave just east of Division are often more easily accessible than busier streets such as Commerce and Division.) Street parking pricing and hours vary depending on location; details can be found on the City of Grand Rapids website.

DESCRIPTION
What is “User Experience” (UX)? How are UX methodologies and practices used to influence a great experience?

This month at GRWebDev, Emily Lynn will give us a crash course introduction to the practice of User Experience. Starting with conception to visual design, we’ll learn the various ways UX can be implemented into a project through every step of the creation process.

Regardless of your career role, a basic understanding of User Experience design is vital in order to build useful and impactful solutions. These concepts go beyond the professional realm as well: they are at the heart of our interactions with any sort of service or product.

Join us on Monday, March 23rd at The Vault at Start Garden! We’ll kick things off at 6pm ET.

OUR PRESENTER
Emily Lynn is a senior user experience designer with a background specializing in creating high-fidelity visual design and experiences for both web and mobile applications. With over six years of experience, she uses design methodology to transform complex requirements into intuitive digital experiences. Emily is a dedicated advocate for the design community by actively sharing her expertise and fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft throughout the West Michigan area.

SPONSORS
This month’s meetup is sponsored by West Michigan Tech Talent. West Michigan Tech Talent connects local employers, educators, community organizations and workforce experts who are invested in creating a strong tech workforce. By sharing best practices, leveraging resources and collaborating on innovative solutions, WMTT is actively addressing the tech talent gap and makes upskilling affordable and accessible. Learn more at westmichigantechtalent.com.

GRWebDev’s venue sponsor is Start Garden. Empowering West Michigan's startup ecosystem through financial, intellectual & social capital, Start Garden provides a neighborhood for startups to grow. No matter where you are on your journey - whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup or simply a dreamer with a great idea - the Start Garden ecosystem provides a strong community of support to help you get your idea off the ground or move your business to the next level. Learn more at startgarden.com.

GRWebDev's title sponsor is LaFleur Marketing. LaFleur is your forward-thinking digital marketing partner, creating innovative, data-driven marketing strategies and assets for law firms, healthcare organizations, and growing businesses. Learn more about their services on the web at lafleur.marketing.

SCHEDULE

• 6:00pm - 6:30pm … Refreshments and Networking
• 6:30pm … Opening Announcements + Presentation
• 7:30pm … Q&A + Closing Announcements
• 8:00pm … Event Ends