David Demaree reminds us of the value of simplicity, brevity, and editing. He encourages us to know who are users are and where they’re coming from. He inspires us not to get too wrapped up into the closeness of our own material and not take the criticism of our work too personally. He also teaches us the importance of staying in touch with the community and to read as much as we can.
David Demaree is a software maker, speaker and blogger. He’s the author of newly released A Book Apart published, Git for Humans. He’s a product manager, designer and web developer for everyone’s favorite groundbreaking font-service software, Adobe Typekit. He’s one of the lucky ones who can say he works really close to a great coffee place…called his kitchen.
LINKS
David’s Twitter
David’s Website
[RESOURCE] Following other product and UX people on Twitter and clicking on interesting links. Staying in touch with the community. Read as much as you can.
[BOOK] The Idea Factory
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USE YOUR SUPERPOWER OF SUPPORT
Here’s your chance to use your superpower of support. Don’t rely on telepathy alone! If you’re enjoying the show, would you take two minutes and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? I’d also be willing to remove my cloak of invisibility from your inbox if you’d subscribe to the newsletter for superguest announcements and more, occasionally.
SUPER-CRED
Artwork by Cesar Lemus | Editing by Chris Combs | Music by Wyman Gentry
TAKEAWAYS
Failure is often in a continuum and you don’t notice until you look back. Learn the value of simplicity, brevity, and editing. Cut the fluff, and edit your stuff. Don’t get wrapped up into the closeness of your own material. Don’t take the criticism of the work as a personal criticism. It’s not about the affect the work has in our own lives, it’s about the affect the work has in our users’ lives.
DESIGN SUPERPOWER
Getting to the basics. Simplifying things to their absolute essence, and putting the pieces back together again.
DESIGN KRYPTONITE
Oversimplifying in trying to solve problems out of existence.
SUPERHERO NAME
The Simplifier
HOW DO YOU FIGHT FOR YOUR USERS?
Understanding who my users are and where they’re coming from. I try to have the people who talk most of the customers in the room where decisions are being made, so that we don’t lose sight of anyone’s particular needs.
FUTURE OF UX
We have lots of new affordances in User Experience. Reach people where they are with the interactions by which they want to be reached. Making all of the smaller interactions smarter so they don’t become overwhelming.
HABIT OF SUCCESS
Curiosity and persistence.
BEST ADVICE
Find and follow some virtual mentors. Just practice. Take the time to try things out that are interesting.
