Triangirls August Roundup - Issue #2
First, I would like to say a huge thank you for all of the support and positivity we've received since launching the roundup. It's been such a warm welcome, and helps to validate why we created this community.
This is the first roundup that will actually land in everyone's inboxes, so hello from in here! If you are wondering what #triangirls is all about, check out our first roundup. If you aren't already in the Triangles Slack community, you can find out how to join here.
We got up to so much in August; it was a really social month. I've met some amazing women in product and design, and am pleased to see a lot of new faces in the group.
Currently, I create this roundup on my own and populate it with the events I have attended. For the events I couldn't make, some of the other #triangirls have provided me with write-ups. I love this approach and want to make sure it keeps happening. This is our roundup and I'd like it to be a collaboration. So, as always, if you have any content you'd like to feature, feel free to contact me via Twitter or swing me a direct message on Slack.
Stay cool ✌🏻
(Co-admin of #triangirls)
🔺 Triangirls August Social
Our monthly social is the best way to meet a few of the #triangirls in person. It's a great way to put faces to Slack usernames.
For this social we attended the Hayward Gallery, to visit 'DRAG: Self-portraits and Body Politics'. The exhibition features the work of more than 30 artists who have used drag to explore or question identity, gender, class and politics, from the 1960s to the present day. It was a fun way to break the ice and spark some discussion around a topic outside work.
We headed to Bar Topolski afterwards, set in the railway arches near Waterloo station, in the former studio of artist and illustrator Feliks Topolski. This was the perfect space to talk about what inspires us, our careers so far and our plans for the future. We came up with some excellent ideas for what we can do as a community in the future, and I can't wait to share these with everyone at the next social.
We are yet to set a date for the next one. Please add yourself to this doodle, so we can see which works best. Can't wait to see you there!
💬 Design Events
Design Lab London
On August 22, Anya attended Design Lab London, and has kindly written a summary.
The first talk was given by our very own #triangirl, Meylin Bayryamali. Meylin is a Product Designer at Peak. Her colourful, illustrated presentation, 'Design with Animation', began with an overview of the product itself - the brain training app Peak, 'where neuroscience meets fun'. Meylin then discussed the team's creative process and toolset, and how they use the open source animation tool Lottie.
Meylin explained how and why her team uses Lottie, gave advice on when to use it and showed us some useful resources for learning After Effects. We even got an exclusive sneak peek of a new feature of the app, which has not launched yet. Lucky us!
Aisling Foley and Simon Amor, Product Designers at Potato, a product development company, gave the next talk. Aisling and Simon spoke about reducing risk with Lean product development methodologies. They explained how they combined different methodologies, such as Lean, Agile, Design Thinking and Google Sprint to create their own version.
Their 5-week process is split into stages: 'Explore & Distill', 'Design & Experiment' and 'Validate & Measure'. During the presentation they gave us some tips about using this methodology successfully. They also shared a new approach they have been testing: when designing a prototype, design for data, not user.
After the talks, we had an opportunity to network with the speakers and attendees, to share our experiences, and have some free pizza and beer (always a plus!).
Facebook Product Design Dinner
Facebook kindly invited a small group of Product Design Leads to an evening hosted at Carousel in Marylebone. Their aim was to build connections with the local product design community, discuss industry-wide product challenges and exchange stories.
It was a lovely evening, with a delicious tasting-style menu to complement some great conversation.
I was delighted to see such a diverse crowd with a range of career and life experiences. This environment aided natural discussion about who we were in contrast to what we do. I really got to know the people I was sitting with, and left the evening feeling like I had made some true friendships.
Thank you to the event hosts, Yael Levey, Jamaal John, Luke Warda and Philip O’Dwyer from the Facebook Product Design team. If the opportunity arises to do that again, please don't hesitate to invite more of the #triangirls.
Wine & Design @ Novoda
As you may or may not know, I am part of the design team at Novoda. This month, we were lucky to be the hosts of Ladies, Wine & Design 'Newbies' - a small gathering of creative ladies who get together and spend a couple of hours chatting, going wherever the conversation may take us.
It was the perfect way to end a working day, surrounded by honest, creative women eager to ask questions and share knowledge. Whether they were a student or a Creative Director, it was fantastic to have a judgement-free environment to talk frankly and openly. I highly recommend joining their Facebook group and going to their events. Much like the #triangirls, they provide a safe space for creative women: I left the evening feeling very empowered.
💡 Feature
Triangles pins
Ollie from Triangles has designed some amazing pins for everyone. Now when we are at meetups, we will be able to spot each other - they even glow in the dark!
If you would like one, join #topic-pins to find out who will have some on them at the next social events.
They are being sold for £10-a-piece and all proceeds will go straight to charity. He is still taking charity recommendations, so if you have an idea, share it at #topic-pins. Thanks Ollie, what a fabulous idea!
I'm thinking #triangirls pins next... 😉
🔥 Mentorships
Hexagon is a community of women and non-binary individuals in UX who support each other by sharing stories and fostering growth at all stages of their careers.
Hexagon is a volunteer-run organisation that is made up of chapters based on geographic region. The community started life in San Francisco and recently has opened up in London.
I'm excited to share that they are offering a mentorship program, led by Jesse Orme. It would be incredible to see our #triangirls represent, both as Mentors and Mentees.
On September 13, they will be holding a matching event, which is similar to speed dating, but between senior and junior UXers. If this is of interest, you can sign up as a Mentee or a Mentor.
💬 Call for Speakers
Caitlin Aldrich-Wincer from Learning People is running a code industry event on October 3. Their events educate attendees on how to break into the world of code and build a flourishing career. Their Head of Marketing will discuss his experience of freelance coding, and their Career Consultants will explain the courses on offer and the different pathways. They usually have around 200 attendees, and the venue is etc.venues in Victoria, London.
Caitlin is looking for a speaker to talk about their experience, education and career in code. If you are interested, or know someone who would be suitable, contact Caitlin via LinkedIn.
🤓 Jobs
We share roles that have been shared specifically by #triangirls. If you would like to place a notice here, get in touch.
Company: Nested
Job title: Product Designer
Description: We’re looking for a Product Designer to join our design team to help us fix the process of selling your home, and turn our vision into reality. You’ll be working across our consumer facing product and our internal tools as part of a cross functional team.
Perm/Contract: Permanent
Location: Clerkenwell
Company: Space Squirrel
Job title: UI/UX Designer
Description: We are looking for a designer who will join our team in building web apps, help us build a design language and improve our existing products. The best person for this position will have several years experience with design tools like Sketch, InVision, Balsamiq and Adobe CS. UX expertise is a huge plus. An eye for beautiful, modern, and functional interfaces is a must. This is a contract job for a smart and responsible individual who will report directly to our cofounder and work closely with the rest of the team while enjoying the freedom of remote work and flexible hours.
Perm/Contract: Contract
Location: Anywhere
Note: This is a remote position but if a London-based designer applies, we would love to work with them in person occasionally at our coworking (Uncommon Borough). If you have comments or questions, feel free to contact me, Djuro. I am a co-founder and current Product Designer.