#5 - Behind the Scenes: attending Smashing UX Conference as a volunteer
Takeaways, tips and more
When I was still a Junior UX Designer, I often found this tip for networking: attend a design conference as a volunteer. Not having participated in any event since 2019 (thanks, Covid) I was eager to relive the thrill of a conference and I was lucky to stumble upon the web page for the Smashing Conference in Antwerp, Belgium that took place last week. It was a truly unforgettable experience, that I’d 100% do again!
My takeaways from the conference talks
One of the amazing things about Smashing Conference was the presence of top-tier speakers from all over the world. My 5 main takeaways are the following:
We are all in the same boat
I personally found that as a designer, if you spend a little too much time on LinkedIn or if you hear stories from big tech companies like Google, Meta, etc. it might feel like the place you work at is one of the few in which design struggles to become an integral part of the process. On the other hand, talking with designers at the Smashing Conference and seeing some of the talks and the questions from the audience, I realized how it’s a lot more common than one might think. Strategies that have been shared all seem to go to:
Making allies among non-designers: for example, attending agile meetings in order to understand what is feasible and how developers work can help in gaining their trust and ultimately having an impact on the product.
Bringing non-designers into the process: having for example developers or sales listen in on user interviews or in general being more transparent with them about the process and making them feel involved in design decisions and activities can help in removing roadblocks when it comes to design decisions being accepted and implemented.
Spending time in the problem space can help bring forward useful and innovative design
Luke Wrolebski’s talk “How AI Ate My Website” in particular was another reminder that spending time in the problem space is extremely relevant when it comes to designing new solutions. He showed how, by critically analyzing the “chatbot” format we are now used to when we think about AI, it’s possible to reach a more usable and useful interface for those who are looking for meaningful information.
Small details can really make a difference
Oliver Schöndorfer - one of the funniest speakers I’ve ever seen on stage! - showcased the importance of UI Typography in interfaces with a before and after view of how applying small changes to the typography brings your UI to the next level. I recommend checking his YT channel for more content on the topic!
Do one thing, and do it right
It’s very easy to get lost in complexity and get sucked in by design trends. Claudio Guglieri showed how the macro trends matter more and how keeping things simple and going the opposite way can make a difference when it comes to building new products.
Never lose your critical thinking
Brad Frost’s final keynote of the event left us with an important message: while AI is faster at creating content than a regular human brain, it is not necessarily higher quality. Our capability of using critical thinking and taking time to exercise our judgment is key when it comes to designing the products of the future.
The experience of attending as a volunteer
How does one become a volunteer?
Smashing offers the possibility of applying as a volunteer directly on their conference website via a form. If you are selected, you will receive confirmation directly from the organizers.
What do you need to prepare before the event?
I applied back in the spring and after being confirmed I of course first got my flight and accommodation for the trip. As the event was approaching, all volunteers were added to a WhatsApp group where we were told what kind of activities we would be carrying as well as able to communicate with each other during the event.
What kind of activities do volunteers perform during the event?
Depending on your skills and availability, you could find yourself:
Helping set up the venue in advance;
Welcoming attendees and helping with check-in;
Providing information and in general, helping out attendees with their requests;
Manning the wardrobe section;
Handing out materials;
Running errands, if needed.
What are the perks of volunteering?
First, by helping out you get to attend the event free of charge. This of course means that you will surely miss part of the workshops/talks, but as you are there to help out it’s a given. Also, you can always look back at the videos of the talks you missed (if available for the event you go to).
Food and drinks are of course included and available at the conference venue.
If the conference includes any extra activities e.g. a walking tour of the city, evening party. etc. you might attend either as a helper or as a participant depending on the nature of the event itself.
Specifically at Smashing, at the end of the event, every one of us was able to bring away leftover swag (like for example a tote bag, a beanie, and a book) which was quite cool!
And last but not least, it’s a great networking opportunity in general: you get to meet all of the amazing people behind the event, the other volunteers plus of course you have the chance to talk to other attendees, sponsors, and speakers.
Book recommendation: Design Systems by Alla Kholmatova
This is the book I got at the Smashing Conference which was published by Smashing Magazine themselves. I haven’t finished it yet but I find that it shows patterns and best practices for Design Systems quite nicely! You should totally check out their whole collection.