The UXPA Boston 2018 Conference had over 1000 attendees, making it the largest UX conference in Boston. Several topics were highlighted including interactive journey mapping, benchmark research over multiple years, and principles of art for UX designers. A design and diversity panel included representatives from various companies and backgrounds discussing the value of diversity in creating innovative solutions and ways to increase inclusion in the design and tech fields. The conference related to Maryville University's strategic plan goals of active learning, transformational innovation, diversity and inclusiveness, and strategic growth.

1. UXPA Boston 2018
Conference
Shanae Ullman
UX Strategist

2. Highlights
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▪ 1025 attendees
▪ Largest UX Conference
in Boston
▪ Attended by UX
researchers, designers,
product managers,
engineers, librarians,
university faculty and
students

3. Highlighted Topics
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▪ Interactive Journey
Mapping
▪ Benchmark Research
over Multiple Years
▪ Art Principles for UX
Designers
▪ Software for organizing
Qualitative and
Quantitative Data
▪ Link to slides from
featured UX talks

4. Design and Diversity Panel
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▪ 75 Registered Attendees
Full list
▪ Attendees from MIT
Libraries, Harvard Law
School Library, EBSCO,
Tufts University, Lesley
University, Bentley
University, Northeastern
University, Maryville
University (me!)
▪ 95% UX/Dev, 1 Librarian!

5. Design and Diversity Panel
▪ 2 UX Designers
▪ 1 HR Rep, Google Chrome
▪ 1 Software Engineer
▪ 1 Technical Project Manager
▪ 1 Data Scientist
▪ Various life experiences
including age, gender, race,
nationality, religion, etc.
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6. Design and Diversity Panel
Topics included:
▪ Describe the value of diversity
in creating innovative solutions.
▪ Ways to work effectively with
diverse team members.
▪ Ways to increase inclusion in
the design/tech field.
▪ Responding to "lowering the
bar" and other anti-diversity
sentiments.
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7. Design and Diversity Panel
▪ Great response from attendees
and conference organizers.
▪ Talks of continuing diversity in
design/tech workshops at
future conferences.
▪ Link to panel slides
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8. Relation to Maryville University Strategic Plan
Active Learning
▪ UX trends in the industry
that can be applied to
process at Maryville
University.
Transformational Innovation
▪ Creating process and
systems for greater user
experience.
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9. Relation to Maryville University Strategic Plan
Diversity & Inclusiveness
▪ Creating dialogue on
working better in diverse
teams and including
different perspectives.
Strategic Growth
▪ Visibility for Maryville
University in the global UX
community.
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10. Discussion
Questions
1. How can the library promote diversity in the tech
industry?
2. How can the library generate interest in Information
Systems, Cybersecurity and UX Design program
offerings at Maryville University?
3. How can the library connect students/faculty to
women in tech events in the Greater St. Louis area?
4. How can the library connect students/faculty to people
of color in tech events in the Greater St. Louis area?
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