Thread by @rasagy

Over the last month, several designers spoke about the impact of COVID-19 & the changing world around us.

Here are some #sketchnotes & reflections from *6* such conversations, hosted by @DesignUpConf, @ADI_org_in, @adypuniversity, @AnAwesomeConf & LWD PDX.

👇 Mega thread 👇

First up, was this short & light-hearted session by @ADI_org_in, titled Resurgence, ft. @siddharthkabra, @nishma_pandit, @seemaseth, @ghate, @hsuthar & others!

The conversation was focused on how the creative industry is adapting to the new way of working.

2/n #sketchnotes

While a few studios had adapted to the WFH & remote client presentations, they all agreed that this was a [key] life event.

They longed for things they took for granted (morning coffee, water cooler banter…) & especially missed the multi-sensorial brainstorming activities.

3/n

One aspect that resonated with everyone — the increase in emapthy. @seemaseth shared how she was multitasking in client calls while ironing clothes (+ her plans about chopping vegetables while doing the webinar), and friendly (& understanding) clients were.

4/n

Two aspects stuck out for me:

👉 We need to break out of our design-in-tech bubbles to realize the uncertainty other design industries are facing.

👉 While technology helps connects us, empathy & trust for each other helps sustain us.

5/n

This was followed by another session — hosted by @DesignUpConf — focused on Creative Gig Economy vs COVID-19.

@ashwinielephant, @anthonyhlopez, @seemaseth @gonsalves_r shared actionable advice for freelancers & studios trying to work in these uncertain times.

6/n #sketchnotes

The session was pretty extensive — from the changing job market to strategies for standing out — making it pretty hard to summarize in a sketchnote. 😅

👉 As design demand shifts, volunteering & @opensrcdesign is one way to have a steady stream of work.

But for clients…

7/n

👉 Empathy for clients: Reaching out, showing support & finding new problems to solve together.

👉 As designers & clients seek meaningful work, you’ll need to highlight the value of your work to the business.

Orient around outcomes, not craft!

8/n

@MadanRao summed up the session with 3S:

👁 Sensing the changing dynamics
🧠 Sense-making to find meaning in chaos
🗣 Sensitizing the world around us to adapt seamlessly.

9/n

For Disrupted - 2, @Sudhir_indi asked, “Our world has been disrupted. Now what?”

@jdallcaps, @harinallan, @kshitiz, @SparklinGuy, @hrridaysh & Kadambari from @ValueLabs.

Here’s a quick #sketchnote summary.

10/n

👉 @jdallcaps gave a glimpse into what it takes to design at scale for the government & how good design can be intentionally inefficient (but effective!)

👉 @harinallan talked about scaling their design internship to 150+ students, & an upcoming report on COVID impact.

11/n

My favorite aspect of this session was @kshitiz’s call for a Hippocratic oath for designers.

Post-COVID, there will be a clear distinction between products that one desires vs needs. Designers must define the purpose of each project clearly!

12/n

I also stumbled upon a *Ladies Wine Design* (PDX) session, focused on building community during COVID-19.

Three short talks by @alyshanaples, @carolinesinders & Janani Vasudev were really enlightening!

13/n #sketchnotes

I found out about this thanks to @alyshanaples, who reflected on her own journey & the impact of these uncertain times.

Her talk was mesmerizing to hear, as she eloquently spoke on seeking fulfillment (not happiness), leadership, change, alienation & authenticity.

14/n

Her narrative was woven around a few inspiring quotes. As someone struggling to adapt to these times, this resonated the most with me:

“The change is from inner to outer. We start by dissolving our attitude not by altering outer conditions.”
— Bruce Lee

15/n

Janani Vasudev shared small instances of humanity — from sidewalk art to adding poems to a poetry tree — prompting us to redefine how we show solidarity while in isolation.

Her advice to reconnect those who *matter* left me questioning how I spend my energy socializing.

16/n

@carolinesinders walked through an amazing set of examples highlighting how communities are adapting technology today.

From Tele-party to art virtual exhibitions, people are redefining intimacy through the affordances offered by digital platforms.

17/n

More recently, @AnAwesomeConf hosted a short panel on the “Changing Landscape of design” — ft. @sambert, @kingsidharth & @Iruhdam24.

Hearing about the career paths taken by each of them was a great reminder of how diverse the design community is!

18/n #sketchnotes

I loved the analogy shared by @Iruhdam24 & @kingsidharth self-learning design: While specific info is readily available (ingredients), we lack resources that connect & contextualize these (recipes).

In a world filled with ample gyaan, curating it meaningfully will be key!

19/n

@kingsidharth’s views on AI automating design were spot on — repetitive (=redundant) tasks will get automated.

He said, “We draw rectangles for a living, we’ll be out of jobs if we don’t tell stories!” 😆

20/n

Today, we had a packed session for @DesignUpConf #2020Circuit for #MayThe4th.

We asked @alyshanaples, @SparklinGuy, @RuthlessUx, @dharmeshba, @FatemajRaja, @nikitasarkar108, @bapnaa & @yntnlvy on what the future holds.

Spoiler: I ran out of space for my #sketchnotes!

21/n

The diversity of talks was overwhelming!

@SparklinGuy had an amusing narrative stitched with hilarious hairstyles. (I got quite distracted by them!) 😅

@dharmeshba highlighted how financial habits will change for many after witnessing the impact of COVID-19.

22/n #DesignUp2020

@RuthlessUx & @nikitasarkar108 speculated on the future of a migrant in Dharavi & a laborer’s child, highlighting the unseen impact of COVID in India.

@beingshivashiva urged folks to support, volunteer & mentor those we can.

23/n #DesignUp2020

@FatemajRaja reminded everyone that they aren’t alone in #dreamingofthebeach. While some may try virtual parties or VR, she said that most folks can’t wait to travel to experiences they miss right now (⛰/🏖/🌲).

Travel will be expensive, so save up!

24/n #DesignUp2020

@bapnaa’s talk was insightful, covering themes like the trolley problem becoming real, avoiding the Dead Cat Bounce (medium.com/risksavage/dea…), and the negative impact of *Elite Panic* on the rest of the world.

Is the future all bleak?

25/n #DesignUp2020

@bapnaa said that *a new hope* lies in resilient communities which can build interventions through technology, & reminded the need to be vocal, question policies, get involved in politics & keep those in power accountable. 🙌

26/n #DesignUp2020

@yntnlvy shared actionable advice on preparing for remote hiring.

His key message: Create content & become an authority on a topic. As most hiring goes async, having a personal brand will make you stand out.

Find your niche!

27/n #DesignUp2020

Finally, @alyshanaples spoke about what we all must focus on: embracing mortality.

She said, “We don’t control how we’ll die, but we do control how we’ll live.”

What better time than now to live your vision?

28/n #DesignUp2020

The future is uncertain, the economy is crashing, jobs are being lost. It seems impossible to focus on improving yourself during this time.

@alyshanaples was what I needed to hear today. A reminder to be grateful & continue doing what I love.

29/n #DesignUp2020

That’s all for tonight! It’s been inspiring to hear so many folks share their worries, their hopes, their wisdom — I’m grateful that the design community has continued to find ways to stay connected & support each other.

For everyone out there, #MayTheForceBeWithYou.

30/n