Thanks to everyone for their input about the UX deliverables workshop! Mike and I had a discussion yesterday (over a delicious bento lunch in the city) that we should hold off on the workshop for now. Instead, we want to focus on a more immediate need of beginning designers who need an environment where they can learn from others, encourage each other and grow their portfolios.

One idea I received via email came from someone who wants to have his portfolio critiqued as he’s building it. This in turn gave way to the idea of local designers having meetups – a mini UX show and tell, as it were. It doesn’t have to be some major event like the ones Philly CHI hosts. It can be as simple as a few designers sitting at a table at a local coffeehouse sharing their work. Having these gatherings every other week would allow for consistency as well as flexibility. It’s also a great way to get to know local designers in the area and network with each other. And perhaps it can be a soapbox for beginners to vent about their struggle to find work (kept to a minimum, of course. This is meant to be a positive environment where we can encourage and support each other!)

Would you be interested in having this kind of UX meetup in your area?