The research side of me wanted to know what people thought of me. I asked friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and even my kids. My daughters were my harshest critics.
The result was comforting. It was also uplifting. As a mom re-entering the workforce I have worked to show my worth.
My portfolio in 2006 included clippings of published articles, flyers I designed and thank you notes from clients. Now I can show off my work digitally. Luckily I have saved many of my designs and final products, but as I pivot to explain my role in user experience, I have to show my thought process and the roadmap I used to get to the end result.
Fortunately, I am prolific and save everything. Now, I just have to showcase what others may deem worthwhile.
Event Experience to UX
Every time I planned an event, it was with the end-user (guest) in mind. My focus was on the pragmatic, demonstrative, transformative and transcendent. Stay with me. This is a long and winding road. Yes, planning an event takes the same thought, research, agility and execution as a well designed webform.
People hate to feel stupid. Don’t make them have to think. Here is how I did this with events.
The Pragmatic: Fulfill basic needs
- How will they enter? With whom do they want to connect?
- Are they wearing appropriate footwear? If not, how do I help?
- Help them feel confident. ‘Yes, you are in the right place!’
Demonstrative: Emotional satisfaction
Weddings? Easy.
People never believe me, but weddings were the easiest events for me to plan. I loved the strong emotions, connections and opportunities weddings afforded. I understood how to create a meaningful event.
Force an over-worked salesperson to a meeting AND pay for it? Get 4,000 people through registration? Now the stakes are high.
Accomplishing a successful event requires a carefully crafted tone and seamless flow. Sensory appeal is a factor here, and careful planning and attention to detail helps. The best events reach all five of the senses, sometimes so subtly that the guest doesn’t even recognize it—though it certainly influences their experience. 
Hands-on experiences create a more fulfilling experience. My goal has always been to make sure guests connect with the right people. This is as true for registration lost and found, tech support as it is for networking or VIP experiences.
Transcendence
I’m serious. Have you ever had a conversation with someone that left you so inspired, you were ready to change the world? Events can spark this experience at any time- kick off meetings, investor or board meetings, user events, fundraisers and, yes, weddings.
However, all of the basic needs must be met before you can accomplish this.
Yes, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is applicable at your staff meeting.
- Where is the bathroom?
- When does this end?
- Will I be fed?
- Who is sitting next to me?
- Can I call in?
- What is the wifi password?
- Where can I plug in my phone?
All of these need to be answered before any business can be done.
Now Digital
When you are in front of someone in real life you can read their body language. See their eyes as they dart around looking for the exit.
When your guest is a visitor on your mobile platform landing page you have 3 seconds to impress her. How you do this requires thoughtful design, clear direction and a tested, proven flow.
Unlike events, with a website or an app, you have the ability to test, pivot, test, change, test, improve.
Final Result
With UX, your end result can be improved, molded, tweaked into the perfect fit for your target demographic. The same cannot be said for your Great-Aunt Mildred’s opinion of your first dance choice.