This is a joint program between STC New England and BostonCHI.

Abstract

UX designers and technical communicators sometimes describe their work this way: “My main responsibilities are [user experience design or technical communication], but I find that I’m asked to do [technical writing or user experience work] some of the time.”

We often get asked to do more than we bargained for — let’s help each other out!

On April 8, speakers from the worlds of UX and technical communication will describe the best practices that can get you out of a bind when you are asked to do work that isn’t your area of expertise.

For the UX designer who’s just been asked to write a user guide—How do you gather technical sources? What’s the right tone and style for procedures and overview material? What is a typical documentation development cycle? Nancy Allison of STC will provide tech writing tips and best practices for the beleaguered UX designer.

For the technical writer who’s been asked to do UX Design work — Where do you start? How do you assess your audience’s interactions with software or hardware? How do you report results and make recommendations? What tools and techniques are helpful to know? Do I have to know Photoshop? Eva Kaniasty of UXPA Boston will provide practical UX advice for the perplexed technical writer.

Finally, Chris LaRoche will reflect on his experiences in both fields, with advice for people considering a switch. What skills are at a premium in tech writing? In UX? What is the career path in each field? Where does each profession appear to be heading?

Evening Schedule

• 6:30 – 7:00 Networking over pizza and beverages
• 7:00 – 8:30 Meeting
• 8:30 – 9:00 CHI Dessert and more networking!

Monthly Sponsors

Mad*Pow and the HxRefactored Conference are sponsoring dessert

If you can provide a ride, or if you need one, check out GoLoco, a free ride-sharing connector service: http://goloco.org/groups/5716.