Austism

Getting ready for SXSWi is like that recurring dream I have about being in a huge store of some kind, with plenty of money in my pocket, but nothing in my basket because I’m wandering the aisles dithering about getting the very best deal and whether I should go for the bananas in bulk or the blueberries that are expensive but only in season today or whether I should be stocking up on emergency disaster supplies or treating myself to the higher resolution monitor or whether the comfy house slippers are in the end a wiser investment than the shiny silver combat boots.

The schedule is an embarrassment of abundance, and thanks to the wonderful folks at The Social Collective my itinerary is loaded with about 3x as many talks, workshops, and parties as I can possibly attend. My absolute must-be-there list:

How to Rawk SXSW: The Basics - hey I ain’t too proud to orientate

The Digital Future of Philanthropy: Engaging Donors with Online Video - thrilled to see how video is moving beyond TV shows and internet memes.

When Worlds Collide: Human Centered Design Meets Agile Development - because as much as the waterfall process-loving designer in me sometimes wishes differently, UX and visual designers have to learn how to create cohesive design systems for projects that don’t allow for the big picture thinking time we often prefer

Can Social Media End Racism? - silly name aside ( believe the answer is “no, but it can reduce it by making people of different races, especially youth, more real to each other through the exposure of online social interaction”) I’m interested in all forms of communication for good, and also I get to feed my ever-growing internet crush on Jay Smooth

How Not To Be Evil (Even By Accident) - if anyone out there knows how to fight the good fight, it’s the EFF

And of course  The SXSW Block Party, because it just might be the only time I get to hang out with my brother, who’s going for the whole conference but is anchored in film.

This is my first trip to Austin, to boot. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about  it from every Californian who’s ever been there. It’s going to be a great time and I can’t wait! Now to go nail down the last few details like accomodations and transportation…