Assessments and iOS Shortcuts - A Week of Design Adventures
Weeknotes from the 17 June 2024
Things I did #
Monday #
Started the week by organizing the post-MVP backlog. It was like Marie Kondo-ing our project: tidying up features and improvements for after our MVP launch. If it doesn't spark joy (or improve user experience), it's out.
Tuesday #
I supported a team as they are having an their first assessment. This one is for leaving alpha phase. Spent the rest of the day juggling those post MVP tickets and emphasizing user-centric priorities with the team, because, you know, users are people too.
Wednesday #
Had a kick-off meeting for our design team. Picture a lively session where we set goals, defined roles, and brainstormed like our lives depended on it. The energy was high, and the ideas were creative, to say the least.
Thursday #
Held an exciting ideation session. The team threw around ideas like confetti, using mind mapping and rapid prototyping. It was productive and inspiring—a bit like a brainstorming party, minus the cake.
Friday #
Spent today diving into technical constraints with the dev team. Not the most glamorous task, but essential. And started planning a workshop with some bigwigs!
Reflecting on a week filled with planning, collaboration, and creativity. Looking forward to riding this wave into next week.
Things I learnt #
Automation #
Wrapped up the week diving deeper into iOS shortcuts to automate tasks and reduce phone dependency. It's all about working smarter, not harder.
![an image showing the Apple IOS Shortcut Logo](/img/shortcut-logo.png)
Some examples of IOS shortcuts I've been creating include:
- Range journey planner for the EV (very accurate)
- A tool to help capture weeknotes, used it for this actually.
- Excessive milage calculator for the EV lease
- Sharing ETA to family
Will write a post about the shortcuts with some steps, as I did take a UCD approach to pain points I've identified and it might be interesting to someone.
Away from work #
Reducing phone dependancy #
I've started afew thing:
- Removed social media apps off my phone. I've been trying to use clunky websites on the laptop instead.
- Using an old fasiohed alarm clock instead of the phone
- Dusted off my Fuji X series camera, and made sure it was handy
- Using Siri more (including the shortcuts above)
A bit about me: I'm a UCD specialist focused on Service and Interaction Design, with a passion for accessibility and creating services for all. I navigate the world with a dry sense of humor, finding the funny side in the most mundane tasks.