UPA Minnesota

September 11, 2003

Politics in Usability and Design

This month, we'll explore the topic of "Politics in usability and design." Some practitioners have estimated that up to 50% of the time on user experience projects is spent on politics. We'll discuss the various roles on projects: designers, sponsors, decision-makers, users, developers and other stakeholders and focus on the politics and power struggles that can make projects challenging.

If you've acquired a few "battle scars" on the job dealing with politics or just want to know how to cope with them on your next project, come and join in the discussion.

About the Roundtable

Many usability practitioners and designers have had their political battles with developers, but did you ever think about the politics of giving users a seat at the decision-making table?

Our goals for this discussion are to share tips and tricks for dealing with politics on projects including possible approaches, career development and training, and things to watch out for. The discussion will be structured and will focus on sharing ideas, stories and questions from the attendees.

Meeting Details:

Date/Time:

Thursday, September 11th / 6:00pm

Place:

Hosmer Library - Minneapolis

Address:

347 East 36th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Phone:

612.630.6950

Hosts:

Lyle Kantrovich

Speaker:

Roundtable

Topic:

Politics in Usability and Design

Agenda:

• 6:00   Networking & Literature Table (Drinks and snacks will be provided, you're also welcome to bring your own.)
• 6:15   Business meeting
• 6:45   Roundtable
• 8:00   Adjourn / After-meeting food, suds and/or chat

RSVP & Dues

Please email Lyle_Kantrovich@cargill.com if you plan to attend. Please indicate the number of guests, if any, you've invited.

Visitors and past members are welcome, but are asked to pay five dollars if they haven't paid chapter dues for the year.

Note that membership runs from January to December, so you'll want to renew your membership now that 2003 is here.

Directions & Map:

 

Driving Directions (from West / I-394):

1. Take 394 (East) to 94 (East)
2. 94 (East) to 35W (South)
3. Take exit #14- toward 36TH ST/ 35TH ST.
4. Stay straight to go onto STEVENS AVE S.
5. Turn LEFT onto East 36TH ST.

Driving Directions (from East / I-94):

1. Take 94 (West) to 35W (South)
2. Take exit #14- toward 36TH ST/35TH ST.
3. Stay straight to go onto STEVENS AVE S.
4. Turn LEFT onto East 36TH ST.

Driving Directions (from North / I-35W):

1. Take 35W (South)
2. Take exit #14- toward 36TH ST/ 35TH ST.
3. Stay straight to go onto STEVENS AVE S.
4. Turn LEFT onto East 36TH ST.

Driving Directions (from South / I-35W):

1. Take 35W (North)
2. Take exit #14- toward 36TH ST/ 35TH ST.
3. Stay straight to go onto 2ND AVE S.
4. Turn RIGHT onto East 36TH ST

Help Spread the Word:

Know someone interested in usability?

Feel free to invite them to an upcoming meeting. Visitors are always welcome. Please forward this announcement to other area professionals who might have an interest in UPA-MN meetings or activities.Upcoming Meetings & Events:

Upcoming Meetings & Events:

• October 9: 2004 Chapter Council Nominations
• November 13: 2004 Chapter Council Elections

Do you have an idea for a future meeting topic or know someone you think would be a good invited speaker? Contact Lyle (lyle_kantrovich@cargill.com) with your suggestions.