User Research
Meet other local people interested in User Research: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a User Research group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out user research events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the user research events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find user research events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
User Research Events Today
Join in-person User Research events happening right now
Prototype, Play, and Build Workshops (In-Person @GameArena)
We're going to GameArena! We'll be in-person at the GameArena Gateway for our monthly COGG Prototype and Play event. Come to play and showcase your games!
We're back in the upper levels of the catwalk area. It'll be packed with lots of camaraderie playing your game(s) and other's games on the 2nd floor. Light snacks and water provided but you can buy food and drinks at the bar (alcoholic drink ID required).
[www.game-arena.co](http://www.game-arena.co/)
**Attendees:**
Don't have a game to show? Not a problem! All are welcomed and invited from all ages and backgrounds. The more we can have to play test our games is all the better!
**Developers:**
Do you have a game that you would like to get critical feedback on? Would you like an excuse to work on a game with other talented artists, programmers, musicians, designers, and writers? Digital, table-top, non-experienced developers, and the like are welcomed! We'll provide signage for your game to help others learn more about your work. Wifi, outlets, tables, and seats (though standing tables also) are available.
Come to the Prototype and Play workshop to collaborate and meet local game developers for an evening of epic and raw game play fun! Play works-in-progress, show off your own game, work with others to add polish to a game, or even lend your talents to other fellow developers. For this event, light snacks from the bar and water will be provided!
Though you can purchase you own if you like at the bar:
[https://www.game-arena.co/menu](https://www.game-arena.co/menu)
Can use South Garage at the Gateway with a $5 voucher on your way out.
75 E 11th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
[https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9)
If you have any questions or comments, as always, feel free to reach out to us at [info@thecogg.com!](http://info@thecogg.com!/)
In-Person Event: The Answers to Depression & Anxiety
This is an in-person meeting. At this meeting you will get answers to depression and anxiety. Find out the source of them and how to get rid of them.
Did you know that unwanted emotions like anxiety, depression, unhappiness, loneliness, hopelessness, anger, fear, or feelings of irritation donโt just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not due to a chemical imbalance in your brain from some nebulous chemical reaction "by chance".
Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you.
The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life.
Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life.
Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there.
This group is created by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio and Church of Scientology of Central Ohio.
Karaoke at Beeline Easton
Youโre Invited to a Karaoke Night at Beeline Easton! If the weather is nice we will be out on the back patio. If not it will be inside :)
๐ค Sing Your Heart Out! ๐ถ
Join us for an unforgettable night of music, fun, and good vibes at Beeline Easton! Whether youโre a rockstar in the making or just love a good singalong, this is your chance to shine.
Join us and Central Ohio friends
(Formerly cbus 20s and 30s)
๐ Time: [8pm-2am (close)]
๐ Location: Beeline Easton
Parking: paid parking garage south of beeline or a free lot to the north of beeline!
Bring your friends, grab a drink, and get ready to take the stage! Letโs make it a night to remember.
RSVP we canโt wait to see you there
How to Take Control of YOUR Mental Health
Itโs time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind.
Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself.
Here is the secret of being positive and free:
Thinking positively is not enough.
You also have to get rid of the negative thinking.
Your mind is like a garden.
You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden.
A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed.
You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there.
So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out!
The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life.
Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there.
This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.
Pizza and Duckpin Bowling!
๐๐ณ
**Letโs meet for pizza 1st at Mikeyโs Late Night Slice which is connected to Pins! Then we will bowl (no heavy balls involved)**
Your Summer Social Life Starts Here ๐ป๐ณ ๐ป 20% Off for NEW Bowlers!
๐ณ **Summer Fun Starts on the Lanes! 20% off for NEW bowlers!**
The 6-week summer social bowling league is here - cold drinks, fun times, and new friends await on the lanes! Whether you're looking to meet new people, unwind after work, or just have a fun weekly outing, this league is for everyone.
Social vibes, happy hour energy, and plenty of chances to connect with others. No matter your skill level, this league is all about having fun and meeting awesome people. ;)
**๐ Thursday nights \|๐ AMF Sawmill Lanes \| ๐ต $74 *(while Early Bird is active)***
**๐จNew to the league?** Use discount code (**MUSU26**) for 20% off - $59.20 *during **Early Bird***
**๐ป League Info & Registration**: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling
**Why Join?**
๐ Itโs only 6 weeks - perfect for a low-commitment social plan
๐ป Great mix of people in their 20s, 30s, & 40s, plus post-game hangs at the bar
๐ณ Zero pressure - gutter balls totally welcome!
๐ Free league shirt if you sign up early
๐ง Weekly trivia w/ prizes
๐ฌ Super social - join solo or w/ friends!
**Want in?**
Join our Meetup team Gutter Dusters ๐ **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/2d5y52vq
Or start a team of your own with a few friends - weโll all be hanging out either way!
๐
League Dates (Thursday nights): June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30
***(The MeetUp event date is deadline to register for the league.)***
**Cost & Whatโs Included:**
โ $74 **Early Bird** registration - **New bowler? Get 20% off w/ code: MUSU26**
โ 6 weeks of bowling (1โ3 games/week)
โ Shoe rentals & full league setup
โ Trivia, prizes, and great people
๐ **Sign up now:**
๐ปLeague Info & Registration: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling
๐คNew bowlers use code MUSU26 to save 20%
๐ธ Follow the fun on Instagram: https://bit.ly/BowlingLeague-IG
๐ฉ Questions? Contact the league: http://bit.ly/2nKHno7
Spots are filling fast โ donโt miss out on the fun times!
User Research Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Columbus Museum of Art, Free Admission Sundays
Letโs meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.
Rays Of Light Spiritualist Church Service
Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel.
Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger.
Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life.
Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.
Drunken Philosophy: Where Is Everybody? The Fermi Paradox and the Great Filter
Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle.
**Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?**
In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox.
One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread.
Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for.
**Questions to wrestle with:**
* Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving?
* Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why?
* If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming?
* Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection?
* And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species?
* Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now?
As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.
Columbus Code & Coffee 87 @ Improving
Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you!
**What to Expect at the Intro Circle**
\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~
Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup:
* Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics
Round 1 - (7 secs max):
* Your name
* What you're working on
* What you can help others with
Round 2:
* Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too.
Round 3:
* Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool.
After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!
Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions
[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations.
If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!).
**HOW IT WORKS**
**Step 1: Bring a topic**
Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event.
**Step 2: Circle up & share**
We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds.
**Step 3: Walk, talk & float**
We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!"
**Step 4: Feel more alive**
Two hours flies by. You're back where you started โ but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times.
*For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)*
**HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC**
A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about.
Recent topics include:
* "What are you passionate about right now?"
* "What makes a good friend?"
* "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?"
* "How do you want to be remembered?"
* "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?"
Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter.
**WHAT TO EXPECT**
This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.*
But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here.
**FAQ**
* Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk!
* We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space.
* We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space.
* Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know.
* Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome โ please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic!
**LOGISTICS**
* If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event.
* This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs.
* Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details.
* If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. ๐ค ๐
**IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...**
[The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up.
* This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).
Sunday Afternoon Coffee at Grandview Grind
Who else is ready to sit outside?
Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!
User Research Events Near You
Connect with your local User Research community
AI Agents 101: How to Make ChatGPT Do Actual Work
Most people still use AI like a search box: type one question, get one answer, repeat.
But the next step is AI agents: systems that can take a goal, break it into steps, use tools, remember context, and produce useful work for a human to review.
In this beginner-friendly session, weโll demystify what AI agents actually are โ without hype or jargon. Weโll walk through practical examples of how agents can help with research, planning, writing, coding, operations, and personal productivity.
Weโll cover:
* What makes an AI โagentโ instead of just a chatbot
* How agents break tasks into steps
* Where agents are genuinely useful today
* Where they fail, hallucinate, or need human review
* How to design simple AI workflows for your own work
* A live demo of an AI agent-style workflow from start to finish
No coding experience required. This is for anyone who wants to understand where AI tools are going and how to use them more effectively right now.
LOGISTICS AND PARKING:
The talk starts at 7:00 PM. The first half hour is reserved for everyone to get set up and mingle. Free pizza and drinks!
The cheapest parking option is to find street parking, which will only cost you a few bucks. Otherwise, park in the nearby veteran's museum lot for $8. It's highly recommended you avoid the nearby $15 garage parking.
Rise and Shine with Atlassian - Reynoldsburg
Come chat about Atlassian tools and best practices at the Reynoldsburg Sunny Street Cafe and Breakfast is on Atlassian!
Let's get the day started off with breakfast with your ACE Leaders! We're always excited to talk about Atlassian Products, share our knowledge and hand out swag! Come chat with us about new product news and anything you are working on within the Atlassian product stack. This is a great opportunity to come see what we are all about, hear new business news and share with other Atlassian users your questions and experiences. We'd love to see new and old friends come out to chat and learn about Atlassian!
Agenda
---
Moderators
Kimberly Deal - Columbus Atlassian User Group Leader
Kevin Stanley - Columbus Atlassian User Group Leader
Greg Sprowls - Columbus Atlassian Community Leader
Hosted By
Kimberly Deal, Atlassian User Group Leader
Kevin Stanley, Chief Everything
Greg Sprowls, Agility Lead
---
Global Partner
Atlassian (http://atlassian.com)
Millions of users globally rely on Atlassian products every day for improving software development, project management, collaboration, and code quality.
Partner
Atlassian
---
For over a decade, Atlassian customers have come together to network, share ideas, solve problems, and find new ways to use Atlassian products. Today, more than 15,000 people take part in Atlassian community events in more than 30 countries.
---
Complete your event RSVP here: https://ace.atlassian.com/events/details/atlassian-columbus-presents-rise-and-shine-with-atlassian-reynoldsburg-5/.
Annual Columbus ACE Summer Picnic
Get ready for a Picnic, this is our social and member appreciation event for the year! Feel free to bring family, but be sure to reach out with the number of attendees, so we can provide food for everyone.
There will of course be food, music, games and fun!
Event is held rain or shine, we have a covered shelter house reserved for the event.
Agenda
---
Moderators
Kimberly Deal - Columbus Atlassian User Group Leader
Kevin Stanley - Columbus Atlassian User Group Leader
Greg Sprowls - Columbus Atlassian Community Leader
Hosted By
Kimberly Deal, Atlassian User Group Leader
Kevin Stanley, Chief Everything
Greg Sprowls, Agility Lead
---
Global Partner
Atlassian (http://atlassian.com)
Millions of users globally rely on Atlassian products every day for improving software development, project management, collaboration, and code quality.
For over a decade, Atlassian customers have come together to network, share ideas, solve problems, and find new ways to use Atlassian products. Today, more than 15,000 people take part in Atlassian community events in more than 30 countries.
---
Complete your event RSVP here: https://ace.atlassian.com/events/details/atlassian-columbus-presents-annual-columbus-ace-summer-picnic/.
Columbus Virtual Speed Dating on Zoom
# ๐ Zoom Speed Dating: Columbus Singles, One Night
_An evening of face-to-face Zoom rounds, Columbus singles your speed, and your matches landing in your inbox by morning._
**How it all works:**
1. Sign up and answer a few quick personality questions
2. Hop onto Zoom right as we kick off
3. Chat one-on-one through guided rounds
4. Wake up to your mutual matches in your inbox
---
**Pick your group below and you're in:**
๐ **Ages 18-32** โ [Grab your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=cityscape-navigators-park-orienteering-team&ar=18-32&face_v=9.0)
๐ **Ages 30-46** โ [Grab your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=cityscape-navigators-park-orienteering-team&ar=30-46&face_v=9.0)
๐ **Ages 40-58** โ [Grab your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=cityscape-navigators-park-orienteering-team&ar=40-58&face_v=9.0)
๐ **Ages 55+** โ [Grab your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=cityscape-navigators-park-orienteering-team&ar=55+&face_v=9.0)
> โ ๏ธ Don't get caught out: RSVP alone won't seat you. Register via your age group and take the quiz to hold your place. Spots go fast.
**Show up curious โ the rest is on us. ๐**
AI Improv: letโs build a game together with Claude Code, Codex, and Gemini and b
We are going to build together with all the CLIs! E will be doing it at Columbus Code and Coffee
Agenda
---
Hosted By
James Power, Organizer
Pete Gordon, Organizer
Just a Software Guy in the age of the Internet.
Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-columbus-presents-ai-improv-lets-build-a-game-together-with-claude-code-codex-and-gemini-and-be-the-judge/.
Microsoft Build - Columbus Edition!
We are bringing Microsoft Build sessions to Columbus Ohio!
The Central Ohio Azure Meetup and Central Ohio .NET Developer's Group (CONDG) are coming together to bring some of the labs and breakouts from Microsoft Build to your backyard. In this free, 1 day event, you are going to Build stuff with us!
And yes, there will be free food.
Please RSVP via [Microsoft Build //localhost:columbus | Microsoft Reactor](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/events/27247/).
Customize the IDE: Building Extensions for Visual Studio Code - Alan Barber
**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you.
The building address is 4450 Bridge Park
The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400
You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge.
**Abstract**
*Customize the IDE: Building Extensions for Visual Studio Code*
Visual Studio Code is one of the most widely used development environments today, and much of its flexibility comes from its extension ecosystem. Extensions allow developers to customize the editor with new features, integrations, and workflow improvements tailored to their needs.
In this session, weโll cover what extensions are and the different types available, including full extensions written in TypeScript or JavaScript, along with lighter-weight extensions such as color themes, language packs, language support, code snippets, and keymaps. Weโll also look at practical reasons a developer might create an extension, from automating repetitive tasks to adding custom tooling.
The session includes a hands-on walkthrough of creating a new extension, testing it locally, and understanding the basic project structure. Weโll close with a brief overview of how extensions are packaged and published to the Visual Studio Marketplace and other distribution options.
**YouTube Link**
TBD






















