Join the Groundswell
Groundswell (graundˈswel), n. A broadly-based shifting of public opinion.
I truly believe that a strong UX design community is why we are doing such a good job at moving this profession forward. It all starts with learning from one another, supporting and mentoring one another, and then bringing that intelligence to bear on our work.
We all know Whitney, Nick, Dave, Will, Jared, Kristina and Joshua. But did you know that there is a UX Groundswell out there rapidly approaching 1,000?
Take some time and follow UXsters on Twitter, and socialize a bit with us. If you aren’t on the list and would like to be, contact Elizabeth who graciously manages this ever-growing list. She simply asks that someone looking at your profile can “tell you’re a UX person, either by including some mention of UX/IA/usability in your bio or by tweeting about it regularly enough that it shows up in your stream.”
We are having intelligent, snarky, insightful conversations, but most importantly we are building relationships. Don’t miss out.
UX Book Club
Chances are, there is a UX Book Club in your city. The whole premise of the UX Book Club is that UX designers could get together to talk about the newest or most popular user experience books, and share their insights and experiences.
If you don’t have a UX book club in your city, start one. I did!
UX Meetups
User Experience Meetups, because their organizational structure is a little less “proper,” can really be shaped to fit the personalities of the group and the culture of your city. If you consider yourself an opportunist, and willing to leave yourself open to a healthy dose of serendipity, meetups are a great way to go.
Organizations with Local Chapters
In my opinion, it is these amazing organizations that are steering the UX ship. They need our support and involvement, and in return, each gives us a force behind which we can rally (not to mention, a little gravitas when we need it).
