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.
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.