As I drove home from the third IxDA Phoenix event, once again I was feeling completely overwhelmed. It never ceases to amaze me how inspiring those events can be and how passionate and enthusiastic not only the design community is here in Phoenix, but the entire community as a whole.

Over the weekend I attended a friend’s party and had a chance to catch up with some people I know and get to know some people I hadn’t met before. The formal UX community may be small here, but it is definitely not lacking. I couldn’t even tell you how it began, though I’m sure I started it as I’m constantly thinking about experiences and interactions users have with anything at all times. The entire table I was with, including people I knew and people I just met, ended up in a very lengthy conversation about the difference and challenge in designing a user experience for someone such as a police officer or fireman who had to potentially be doing activities while driving. It makes perfect sense that this would be an issue, seeing as how text messaging and talking on the phone while driving are prohibited in several states. The conversation was very engaging and some great feedback and thoughts were given by all. In fact, it drove people who are not UX or IX designers by trade to attend the recent IxDA Phoenix event.

Our last event involved physical prototyping, which was a suggestion from one of our members. I haven’t done too much of it, and most people have never done it before so I figured what could it hurt. It would be a fun challenge for all of us. I found some moving boxes left over from my trip out here ages ago, some tape, and other misc supplies and loaded them in my car. Once I arrived at Gangplank, I completely changed my mind about what we were going to do also.

The challenge was to break out into groups and think of a household appliance that could use some improvement in a new an exciting way. The improvement had to include a change in the product design and could not be simply sticking a software interface on it and calling it done. After two hours and lots of brainstorming, both groups came up with fantastic products. One was an improvement to a toaster oven and the other changes the way laundry is done. Head over to the IxDA Phoenix site to read a recap as well as view photos and video from the event. The video is also below:

IxDA Phoenix from James Archer on Vimeo.

Observing everyone brainstorming and collaborating together was truly inspiring. All of this reaffirms my decision to move to Phoenix and to bring a group like IxDA to the area. I don’t have a grudge against any of the cities I’ve ever lived in, but I’m not sure I’d have been able to pull anything like this off in them. Phoenix really seems to embrace learning and collaboration and has people that love not only growing in their own trade or profession, but learning about other interests too and why people love them.

I am giddy with anticipation over what the next IxDA Phoenix event in September will bring.

I almost hate blogging about this with all the economic hardship going on right now, but I really cannot believe how fortunate I really am to absolutely enjoy my career as well as the company I recently started working for.

I remember graduating from undergrad with two bachelors degrees and thinking I owned the world. I was quickly put in my place and also discovered I really wanted some sort of branched off hybrid job and not the ones I was able to find. Applying for graduate school was a big step, especially since my employer at the time didn’t cover all of it so I had to pay half myself, which I did. It seemed like an interesting degree, but I honestly didn’t know much about it at the time. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d fall in love with my degree as much as I have.

I look forward to going to work every day. Additionally I find myself doing activities I would typically do at work for clients at home for me and others. It’s sick really. I get to do so many things and really help make people’s lives easier.

There are so many people that are in jobs they don’t like or care for and feel trapped. I honestly thought that’s how everyone ended up – not liking their job, and being in a career that has nothing to do with their major. I am so fortunate to honestly look forward to going to work every day. It would be so nice for everyone to get to this point!

This year, I will be hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time. My brother and his girlfriend are coming in from California, and two friends here in Phoenix are also coming over. I think that Thanksgiving dinner has a certain prestige to it, and several expectations. I am glad I have the courage to attempt this task at hand.

I panicked a little at first, and then the perfectionist in me set in. I went out yesterday and bought a table runner and started to plan for company for the weekend.

I also volunteered to make the turkey. I decided to purchase a free range turkey from Sunflower here in Tempe. It will be ready to cook aside from cleaning it and stuffing it, and I am super excited to have a good wholesome organic turkey for Thanksgiving. While at Target yesterday, I was looking for a roaster pan to put the turkey in the oven with and ended up finding a roaster oven almost half off that was too good of a deal to pass up. I figured this way I would be able to use the oven while cooking the turkey as well. Smart move

My parents called last night to give me their Thanksgiving Day cooking tips and wisdom. My dad was about to mention I get a roaster oven when I mentioned I had thought of it earlier. We really do think so much alike. It makes me wonder if it’s weird to them that I am not coming home for the holidays and am having them at my house.. especially since I don’t really have a typical family per se. Either way, i am so super excited.

We have finalized the menu for dinner today (I think) and it will consist of asparagus, possibly a salad, cheesy potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, and cherry crisp for dessert.. and the turkey of course.

I’ve realized that Thursday is quickly approaching so I have lots to do!

Since I have begun yet another chapter in my life, I have decided to start a blog for a few reasons. First and foremost, I would like to have an easily accessible way to share my stories with all my friends at the same time. I have also decided to use this as a way to archive my life journey.

Why the title? Back in 2006 when I was in my last year of graduate school, I discovered one of my classmates that was in several of my classes had this amazing bracelet. It was silver and had five tiles on it that had the words grace, balance, courage, truth, and wisdom on them. I asked where she had gotten it and for graduation, she surprised me with my own as a present. Ever since that day, I have never gone a day without wearing that bracelet unless I had a special occasion. It has been with me through the past two years, and those have been the years that I have faced the most difficult life challenges. The bracelet’s still here, and I’ve managed to get through everything.

On that note, as I was still pondering a name for this blog, I received a text from my mom when I turned my phone back on when I landed in Phoenix. My mom doesn’t text very often, so that, in combination with the contents, made it ever more clear. It said,

“Been thinking of you all day. I am so proud of your courage and independence. Go far and be happy. Call when you get home to Arizona. Love, Mom.”

I would like to thank all of my friends and family for giving me the support and courage I needed to make the decision to move and accept my new position. I know it was hard on so many, especially with the end result being a move so far away from most of you.

In conclusion, I’d like to welcome all readers. Feel free to post comments, contact me, and subscribe to my blog via email or RSS.