Design & Code: Memphis Web Design & Developers MeetUp

Event Name: Design & Code: Memphis Web Design & Developer MeetUp
Date: November 20th, 2024
Time: 6 PM to 8 PM
Location: Room 225 at 365 Fogelman Dr, Memphis, TN 38152

Event Overview:
Join us for an engaging evening with fellow web designers and developers from the Memphis area. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this MeetUp is a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge, discuss new technologies, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Agenda:

• Mix and Mingle and Munch
• User Centered Design at Simple Focus
• Design & Code Project Updates

User Centered Design at Simple Focus:
Join JD Graffam, founder and CEO of our local UX Agency Simple Focus. In this talk JD will be pulling back the curtain on a recent automotive project, revealing the real-world dynamics between design and development. Through practical examples, JD will demonstrate how to navigate the entire project lifecycle - from initial stakeholder alignment and user persona development to rapid iteration and value delivery. Drawing from his extensive experience, he'll share both successes and setbacks that shaped the final outcome.

What You'll Learn:
For Developers:

• How to uncover critical user needs hidden within wireframes
• Techniques for keeping user goals at the forefront of technical decisions
• Best practices for collaborating with designers

For Designers:

• Practical approaches to creating actionable user personas
• Rapid prototyping techniques that save time and improve communication
• Methods for effectively conveying design intent to developers

For Others:

• Proven strategies for seamless design-development collaboration
• Project management techniques that foster better outcomes
• Real-world tips for delivering user value efficiently

Whether you're a student looking to break into the industry, a freelancer building your business, or an established professional, this presentation offers invaluable insights into modern design and development practices. Come ready to engage - JD's wealth of experience translates into fascinating stories and practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

Update on the Design & Code Project by JC Smiley, Coriano Harris, and Lynsey Frost
The team has been hard at work since the last MeetUp and they would like to share their journey so far. Through the first diamond of the design thinking process, they've moved from broad discovery to focused definition - conducting user research, mapping pain points, and synthesizing key insights. This exploration has culminated in a clear problem statement and user requirements, which they've transformed into a development-ready UI design. Their systematic approach through the Discover and Define phases has set a strong foundation for the next stages of development.

What to expect:

• Meet our handpicked core team of passionate individuals
• Get a sneak peek at our first client project
• Learn how this initiative will bridge the gap between learning and professional experience

Sponsors:
Our food is generously sponsored by Epicenter and hosted at our local FedEx and U of M.

Contact information for organizers:
Message organizer on MeetUp, MemTech Discord or LinkedIn