2013 05-21 ux lx visual virus @ work by britta ullrich
DESCRIPTION
Watch out! High risk of infection: the visual virus at work In this lightning talk I want to share my delight of using visuals at work beyond User Experience borders. You’ll hear the thrilling and true story of how the visual virus has changed numerous individuals’ way of working in midtown Hamburg, Germany – from UX designers over agile coaches, marketing managers, product owners, quality assurance folks, even CEOs. How does this old technique awakened to new life affect their working life’s, what’s so fascinating about it? And why is this useful for you as a UX lover? You’ll hear it in my talk! May the visual virus spread from Lisbon to all over the world!TRANSCRIPT
Watch out! High risk of infection: the “visual virus” at work. May 16, 2013
Britta Ullrich Senior UX Manager
About my multiple personalities…
Senior UX Manager
2
I do qualitative research to find out what makes our users tick, what their needs are, and how
they rate XING.
About my multiple personalities…
Senior UX Manager
3
Singing Bowls
I give sound massages to enhance relaxation, in particular among people that tend to get tangled
up in their thoughts.
About my multiple personalities…
Senior UX Manager
4
Singing Bowls Visual Facilitator
I teach adults basic drawing skills that they can use at work!
My vision is to spread the visual virus all over the world!
1. Understand why visuals work @ work
2. See some hands-on examples
3. A treasure chest of secret tips
What’s in it for you…
You might be asked…
YES! Drawing
at work?
Source: customsouthparks.com
Why visuals work @ work…
# Holistically active
Why visuals work @ work…
# Holistically active # Info overload
Why visuals work @ work…
# Holistically active # Info overload # Globalization
Some hands-on examples…
Some hands on examples …
“I add post-its for planning and flexibility.”
Susanne, Senior HR Manager & Agile Admirer
“I use visuals as a time schedule to navigate through the meeting.”
Sandra, Team Lead User Care
“It’s about being fast – mistakes happen.” ;)
“It was our 1st anniversary using Kanban – an appreciation & a great laugh for the team.”
Friederike, Community Manager & Agile Kanban Coach
“This picture was a present and motivator for the team!”
Susanne, Senior HR Manager & Agile Admirer
“Promoting the option to take part in our regular in-house Agile workshops worked really well.”
Susanne, Senior HR Manager & Agile Admirer
“The participants appreciated the hand-drawn certificate for our internal Agile workshop.”
Sabrina, Project Management Student
“We were under pressure to meet deadlines and had to present to the whole department.”
Daniel, Team Lead User Care
“We didn’t want to bore our colleagues with PPT slides. ”
Ulrike, Director User Care
“Hand-made drawings are more personal and help the audience to remember the story!”
Timm, CPO
“The new testing concept was understood really quickly.”
Britta, Sr. UX Manager
“Visual card sortings work well for intuitively ordering our process.”
Zita, Interaction Designer
“It’s great for breaking down complex processes.”
Patrick, Product Manager
“It’s important to differentiate between different target groups.” Faye, Marketing Manager
“Easy to draw, but has a lot more impact than just writing down the words.” Leonie, Visual Designer
“We tried to find a picture that summarized our team values.” Julika, Frontend Engineer
Some hands on examples …
“This picture explains the exercise much better than words can.”
Susanne, Senior HR Manager & Agile Admirer
“Visual notes on my iPad help me to remember the most important facts!”
Eva, Jr. Manager User Insights
Some hands on examples …
Visual brainstorming sessions spark our imagination!
Some hands on examples …
XING’s visual dictionary in Confluence
Some hands on examples …
Even XING’s door signs have been “infected”
A treasure chest of secret tips…
# Visual Alphabet
A treasure chest of secret tips…
# Equipment # Visual Alphabet
A treasure chest of secret tips…
# Equipment # Visual Alphabet # Shadow & Effects
A treasure chest of secret tips…
So what?
It changed the way we work…
“I focus even more on
storylines.” CPO
“I now draw a lot, which makes my work so much more
enjoyable.” Communication Designer
“My moderation style has been turned on its head. It’s great fun
for everyone inv0lved, including myself.”
Senior Human Resources Manager & Agile Admirer
And it changed the way my colleagues think about UX…
“I still admire people who can sketch in real time.” :-)
CPO
“I am even more impressed by what
they do.” Team Lead Community Management
“I was impressed with the UX team’s competence (not that I
doubted it before ;-)) and it gave me more insights into the kind
of work they’re involved in.” Senior Manager Quality Assurance
Food for thought…
Visuals @ work…
1. …enhance understanding, focus, & memory!
2. …are not about art but ideas – draw quickly!
3. …increase fun and appreciation levels!
Cheers!
Questions? Britta Ullrich
Senior UX Manager @ XING
Visual Trainer @ VizWorks
About.me/brittaullrich
Twitter @Sabrittas