Carrie M.

Are you teaching a UX, Web/Software design, open-source development, or educational technology course in Vancouver/Burnaby/Surrey this Fall? If so, I’m currently offering guest lectures for local in-person classes focused on the design and development of my open-source project, Docsify-This.net (a finalist of the 2024 Open Education Global Awards in the Open Infrastructure category https://lnkd.in/gJzBb4h5). These case studies highlight practical strategies for designing and developing open source Web app projects, with insightful examples for both students and instructors. 1️⃣ Strategies for Open-Source Success: Building the Docsify-This Project Overview: Learn key strategies for developing and sustaining a small-scale open source project like Docsify-This. Possible topics include: - Communicate purpose and value - Highlight problems your project solves - Provide demo functionality/content - Twin development with documentation - Publicly share works-in-progress - Maintain focus on first-use experience - Engage with users where they are - Consider project sustainability up-front 2️⃣ The Open Source Docsify-This Project: An Interaction Design Case Study Overview: Explore the design techniques that made Docsify-This a user-friendly tool through real-world interaction design practices. We’ll discuss various applied techniques, which may include: - Mapping user (friction) journeys - Prioritizing job stories - Optimizing key task flows - Reducing barriers of use - Harnessing the power of microcopy - Applying progressive (workflow) disclosure - Incorporating documentation into UX design 3️⃣ Big Design, Small Design: A Case Study of the Open Source Project Docsify-This Overview: Explore the balance between high-level strategy and detailed design in the building of Docsify-This. Examples of Big Design: - Barriers to open publishing - Problems and opportunities - Outcomes over outputs - People + Systems - Mapping user (friction) journeys - Prioritizing job stories Examples of Small Design: - First-use experience - Optimizing key task flows - Reducing barriers of use - Harnessing the power of microcopy - Applying progressive (workflow) disclosure - Using docs as part of UX design If any of the above sounds of interest, message me via LinkedIn or email at [email protected] and we can discuss possibilities. I’m also happy to work with you to tailor these case studies to fit your course focus and student needs.

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Just announced! This month's UX Salon Halifax meetup is all about... User Experience of course. That's it. Back to the basics. Ever wonder why some things just work so.... nice? Or why some other experiences are so frustrating? We can answer that. :) See you in two weeks! #uxsalonhalifax #halifaxux #userexperience #halifaxtech #uxdesign #uxresearch

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Accessibility is more than just a checkbox, but an integral part of user-centric design. Next Friday at EvolveDrupal Summit Toronto, we're highlighting this with two sessions about integrating accessibility best practices into all aspects of the design process. Kate Kalcevich, Head of Accessibility Innovation Fable talks about the intersection of usability and accessibility and how best practices go beyond meeting accessibility guidelines. And you'll get insights into how to start planning for accessibility in design, with a panel discussion exploring challenges and opportunities. Hosted by Jay Wall RGD, creative director and professor at George Brown College School of Design. Hope you can join us at the event! Register at http://evolvedrupal.com #accessibility #UX #Toronto

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In my conversation with Sanjay Raval we discussed hiring practices for design roles in tech firms, including recent change in hiring pattern, assignments, and the issue of ghosting. If you’re interested in understanding the hiring process from a recruiters perspective, you should watch this video. https://lnkd.in/ggwSgGuw For a more efficient viewing experience, I recommend watching it at 1.5x speed.

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🌍 UX communities are more than just networking opportunities—they're where we learn, grow, and inspire each other. Whether you’re joining an established group like #CapCHI, which brings together the amazing UX community in Ottawa, or starting one yourself, being part of a UX network can make a big difference. I’ve found that connecting with others in the UX field really helps us stay ahead of trends and share valuable insights. 💡 It’s amazing how much we can learn from each other and how these interactions can fuel our creativity and problem-solving. What about you? How has your UX community impacted your work? What’s your go-to group or event? Let’s share in the comments and spread the word about the incredible UX networks out there! #UX #UserExperience #UXCommunity #Networking #DesignThinking

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Visiting Vancouver last week, I got to spend time with the Fuel iX designers and get a sneak peek of where the genAI platform is heading. Some things stuck out to me: * These LLM chat interfaces are all the same. That happens as everybody tries to figure out how we interact with something new like AI models. The thoughtfulness the team is putting into how and in what ways the majority of an enterprise will interact with LLM models is exciting. They are rethinking the UX to be truly approachable and straightforward to the broadest audience. * Does every user understand different models and capabilities? They have great ideas for bringing clarity to the different agents and not forcing them all into the template. People interact with different agents in different ways depending on what they do—they're embracing that uniqueness. * How do you make the process of creating your own agent accessible? Does the average user even know what it means to "create an agent?" They're sketching thoughtful and unique ideas on how we approach agent development that works for all. Shoutout to Bret Kinsella and everything the team is driving forward!

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Interesting read for UX designers, speaking of ''The Great Design Handoff. "What we have started to witness this year is a fundamental shift in responsibilities and a transfer of design control from designers to a complex network of algorithms, automated tools, and business stakeholders". "We're trading empathy for algorithms." "We’re shifting our focus from good design to organizational politics. " "This year, the lack of job security also made designers double down on our “online presence”, in an attempt to remain relevant within their network. We’re writing catchy Linkedin posts to please the algorithm; we’re making our thoughts more polarizing than they need to be. There’s no place for longer-form discussions or nuanced back and forth. We're building echo chambers, not communities. It’s easier to build an audience using controversy than real thought. "

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If you're a designer trying to get up to speed on a new team or project, check out this quick talk based on a recent blog post I wrote for Lab Zero Innovations Inc. (https://lnkd.in/gDw4bR8Y)! Have you picked up any tips of your own? Let me know, or—if you're looking for a designer who's prepared for situations like these—reach out to us at [email protected]! #designteam #designteamwork #designthinking #productdesign #uxdesign

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Register for some interesting actionable insights 🎉

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2025 Mission: Become the person I wish I knew when starting. 1. Impact Through Teaching • Launching WEBFLOW 007 (Jan 10th) • Sharing what I learned the hard way • Breaking down complex concepts • Creating clear pathways • Being the mentor I needed 2. No-Code Revolution • Helping career transitions • Opening doors to tech • Breaking entry barriers • Creating opportunities • Showing what's possible 3. Community Growth • Building to 15,000 followers • Creating daily value • Sharing real struggles • Supporting beginners • Growing together Why does this matter? 5 years ago, I was lost. No mentor. No clear path. No guidance. Today? I can be that guide for others. That support system. That clarity provider. That possibility prover. Because success means nothing if you can't help others succeed. Want to be part of this journey? Drop "mentor" below 👇 #webflow #nocode #goals2025 ___ Hi 👋 I'm Sebastian Bimbi a passionate Web-dev ↳ I help businesses scale with Webflow ↳ Built +30 high-converting websites ↳ DMs open for project inquiries ↳ Follow for daily pro tips 🥷

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Today, I'm sharing another book that I have been reading as part of my goal to keep learning. In my last post, I shared how I identified a short list of goals that are my north star in navigating a path of continued growth and progress in my design career. This book, Freelance, and Business, and Stuff by Amy & Jennifer Hood of Hoodzpah design studio, has been a crucial resource for my independent design journey this year. More than once during my reading, I have found myself smacking my forehead for not reading this sooner because the Hood sisters gave straightforward advice on something I spent painstaking hours figuring out on my own. Here's a quote that I highlighted from the book: "If you have two or three slow months in a row, you need to rethink things. You might be overvaluing what others are willing to pay for your work. But more than likely, you just need to better prove the value of your pricing to clients." - Amy & Jen Hood Like my last share, I still need to finish reading this one, but I can confidently recommend it. If you are a new independent designer or considering going independent, this read could be very helpful!

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A simple sentence at the right time can put a smile on your user’s face. I came across this when booking a flight through AirCanada’s app. It's a great reminder to add joy to your user experience. A design that makes your user smile is a success in my book 💯 - - I’m Brendan, your friendly, neighborhood designer sharing UX resources, work, and experiences. Follow along if you found this helpful! #design #UX

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Job searching can be challenging, especially when you're between opportunities and figuring out your next move. In my latest Medium post, I share some thoughts on staying focused, trusting the process, and choosing the right company or product to work for. With faith in God and preparation, the right opportunity will come. #UXDesign #CareerGrowth #FaithAndWork #TrustTheProcess #JobSearch #OpenToWork https://lnkd.in/dxFzTr2F

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Remote work enabled me to hire an expert team of UX designers and researchers dispersed across Canadian cities. It allowed me to support employee wellbeing so that precarious child care situations, creative passions and needs at home could be balanced with flexible work. We never missed a deadline; our work was always of a top quality. I could hire for the best talent and recruit from outside government. I couldn't offer the pay of private sector, but I could offer a healthy work environment and flexibility - something which many creatives (and folks in general) covet more than money. A slow creep to the end of remote work will make this impossible for many managers working in the federal government in IT. And equally, it will make it hard to retain managers and executives who are also subject matter experts in the field. It's really disappointing to see, and I hope there will be flexibility given so that we can retain the best talent in house. When you foster a work environment that is enticing to IT talent, you build real functional IT capacity within the government. Haven't we learned from ArriveCan? #DigitalGov #IT #remotework #returntowork

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As someone who’s relatively new to User Research, moving to a new country has made me even more curious about how Culture influences User experiences and technology adoption. Even in my short time here in Canada, I’ve noticed some interesting differences in how people interact with digital products and services compared to what I’ve seen before. These observations are already shaping how I think about User interviews and testing strategies in different cultural contexts. It’s fascinating to see how things like communication style, expectations, and preferences can vary, and I’m eager to dive deeper into this as I continue my research journey. For those who have experience conducting cross-cultural research, how do you ensure you’re adapting your methods to fit the local context? Any tips for a researcher still learning the ropes? Looking forward to your insights! 😊 #UserResearch #UX #CrossCulturalResearch #LearningJourney #LinkedInChallenge #CulturalDifferences

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I cringed when I saw myself because I was critical about the way I spoke, sat, and dressed—basically everything. It'd be best not to show this to anyone. BUT. I did have a key message to share when I agreed to be filmed. Let’s not lose that! So here's more context to this video: I was asked what was my experience as a jury member for last year's Singapore Good Design Awards, Digital Design category. I roughly recall saying, "The designers' entries were a powerful reminder that as designers, we play a significant role in shaping experiences and enhancing people's lives. The judging experience renewed my desire to dive deeper into what good design can really do, and not to give up even when things get tough. To keep finding the beauty amidst the chaos of solving problems, and draw inspiration from what's living and breathing because they remind us what it means to be human." This year, it is a privilege to be back on the jury panel again. I look forward to seeing more design solutions that are mindful of the human experience. So, designers, check out the details of the awards and sign up! It is up to us to make a difference by putting out more human-centered solutions. Learn more: https://sgmark.org/ Special thanks to Design Business Chamber Singapore for having me!

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⭐ Learning from Industry Leaders: A Conversation with James Findlater, Principal Product Designer at Shopify ⭐ I recently had the incredible opportunity to interview James Findlater, to gain insights into his role, leadership philosophies, and approach to design. This opportunity arose through my Leadership by Design class—thank you, Leah Pincsak, for making it happen. 😊 Here's a summary of our enlightening conversation: 📌 A Journey of Two Leadership Paths: Did you know there are diverse paths one can take in leadership roles? James enlightened me about the distinct paths of crafters and managers. While managers focus on guiding teams and overseeing projects, crafters like James thrive on hands-on design work, moving from one exciting project to another. 📌 Leadership through Storytelling: James believes in the magic of storytelling. According to him, the ability to weave a compelling narrative around your work is crucial. It’s not just about designing; it’s about convincing and aligning teams with a shared vision. And honestly, who doesn't love a good story? This approach is key to effective leadership. 📌 The Evolution of Design Careers: Gone are the days when the only way up was through management. James highlighted how today's industry allows designers to climb the ladder while staying true to their creative roots. For someone passionate about craftsmanship, this was incredibly encouraging. 📌 Handling Ambiguity and Feedback: One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of being okay with not always having the answers. James shared that presenting work early and gathering feedback is key. It's all about iterating and improving rather than aiming for perfection right off the bat. 📌 Navigating Conflicts with Grace: James shared his approach to resolving disagreements, which involves considering alternate perspectives and being open to the possibility that others may be right. This mindset fosters collaboration and helps navigate conflicts constructively. 📌 Continuous Learning: Always eager to expand his skill set, James expressed interest in further developing his abilities in motion design and coding. This reminds me of the endless possibilities in our field and the importance of never stopping our quest for knowledge—something I deeply resonate with and strive to embody in my own career. Lifelong learning is a key trait of effective leaders. This conversation has been incredibly motivating and will help craft my own career path. I am excited to continue growing as a designer, balancing creativity with strategic thinking, and contributing to impactful projects. Thank you, James, for sharing your valuable insights. 😊 ✨

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I’m noticing a peculiar design related anti-pattern of sorts in the post ZIRP economic environment. It’s where companies have the budget to staff design talent, albeit in lower numbers, but the development budget is so limited that teams are unable to implement the work designers produce. This is the third economic downturn I’ve experienced and we always get pendulum swings. In this one, there seems to be a bias toward austerity and implementing the least expensive solution.

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Names are incredibly powerful. Learning the names of things is how we begin to communicate as humans. Names empower objects with purpose and meaning. It is no different in UI. Layouts will often require many divs and containers. When designing a layout, I’ve found it helpful to slow down and think about why I’m creating a new frame in the first place. Giving a UI element a name helps with my own understanding of what its purpose is. Not only that, but a well-named and organized layer list acts as its own documentation that both designers and developers will appreciate. #figma #uidesign #designtips

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