Interaction Design Foundation

Design community leadership

Empowering UX events and education

Title

Local Leader (Houston)

Time frame

Aug 2022 to Present

Summary

As the Local Chapter Leader for the Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) Houston chapter, I have been responsible for fostering a thriving community of UX professionals. Through hosting engaging events, mentoring transitioning designers, and facilitating meaningful conversations, I have cultivated a space for knowledge-sharing and growth. Over two years, our community expanded from 75 people to 425 people, with an event satisfaction rating of 4.5/5 stars.

Results

I grew the UX community through impactful events and leadership:

493 UX professionals (up from 115 members in two years)

24+ events hosted, ranging from product design workshops to networking events to study groups.

Featured guest speakers from Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.

Achieved an event satisfaction rating of 4.5/5 stars highlighting strong engagement and content value.

Community events and gatherings

Challenge

Key challenges addressed:

Creating a consistent calendar of events

Balancing diverse event formats to cater to varying professional needs

Encouraging active participation and repeat attendance

Offering value for both beginners and seasoned UX professionals

Houston's UX community lacked consistent opportunities for connection, mentorship, and shared growth.

Many aspiring UX professionals struggled to access mentorship, career advice, and exposure to industry experts.

Coffee shop meetups and networking

Strategy

The vision was to build an inclusive, knowledge-driven UX community where every member feels supported and inspired to grow.

To address these challenges, I implemented a multi-faceted approach.

Connection, education, and mentorship form the foundation of a thriving UX community.

Networking Events

Created safe, welcoming spaces for professionals to connect.

Educational Workshops

Designed hands-on activities to reinforce practical UX skills.

Expert Talks

Brought in speakers from leading tech companies to share industry insights.

Focused Conversations

Facilitated discussions around career planning, portfolios, and skill development.

Community Building

Encouraged active Discord participation and one-on-one mentorship.

Game nights and interactive activities

Want to discuss this project?

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