San Diego, United States
Jon Sabutis
UX Architect at Tavant
Design Specialist vs Generalist: An exploration with IDF San Diego
- Date and time
- Location
- San Diego, United States
About the Meetup
About this Event
Is it viable to pursue a path as either a "generalist" or "specialist" Designer? Why choose either? What are the pro's and con's of each? Who are some examples in other industries we can draw from? Which companies, hire which type? How should you pitch yourself in either case? Which is more future-proof? These are just a few of the topics we will explore in this part presentation, part discussion brief exploration of the common but confusing topic of the "specialist" vs "generalist" approach to being a Designer in the industry today.
Link to join:
https://us04web.zoom.us/s/74591768566
Itinerary:
15-20 minute presentation on topic by IxDF Local Leader, Jon Sabutis, UX Architect at Tavant Technologies
15-20 minute group discussion, synthesis, and community announcements
About the speaker:
Jon Sabutis is a self-described "highly collaborative" digital Product Designer with a focus on UX, Design Thinking, and User Centered Design. He is currently working on FinTech (financial technology) products as well as consulting across various finance and lending projects. His career has spanned multiple industries including government, commercial, and non-profit international development. He has led design teams through highly complex problem solving projects for the US Navy, Wells Fargo, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among many others.
About IxDF and our San Diego Chapter:
The Interaction Design Foundation is an educational organization which produces open access educational materials online with the stated goal of "democratizing education by making world-class educational materials free for anyone, anywhere."
The San Diego Chapter of IDF is committed to building grassroots community, capacity, and education across local design disciplines.
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Why Join
Meet people who love design as much as you do. Together we learn new skills, grow our networks, and discover new job opportunities.
Questions? We've Got Answers
What is an IxDF Local Group and why should I join one?
What is an IxDF Local Group and why should I join one?
An IxDF Local Group connects you with people in your city who are building and applying design skills in their work. Together, you'll strengthen your craft, expand your network, and put theory into practice.
IxDF Local Groups meet regularly in person at cafés, company offices, or creative spaces to share ideas, give feedback, run workshops, and learn from each other. Many groups also organize IxDF Design Dinners, where the conversation goes deeper over a meal. These aren't just social events. Members find collaborators, clients, job leads, and future teammates through them.
You'll also have access to a private online forum where you can get career advice, honest feedback, and support from people who understand the work.
You don't need to have a "designer" title to join. If you care about how design shapes products, careers, and organizations, you belong here.
Join and you'll discover new skills, explore job opportunities, and build relationships with people who understand the power of great design.
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What goes on in an IxDF Local Group?
What goes on in an IxDF Local Group?
Your IxDF Local Leader organizes meetups based on what members want most. Sessions range from hands-on and structured to relaxed and informal.
Some examples of what you'll find:
Presentations from local designers, followed by Q&A
Lightning talks where members share lessons learned from real projects
Workshops where you work through a real design challenge together
Portfolio reviews where you get honest, practical feedback
Coffee meetups and design dinners with open conversations about where the industry is heading
Any member can propose, organize and post a meetup. You don't have to wait for your Local Leader to take the initiative.
What stays consistent is the people. You'll find designers and professionals who ask good questions, share what they know, and show up for each other between meetups too.
I'm not even a designer. Should I still join an IxDF Local Group?
I'm not even a designer. Should I still join an IxDF Local Group?
Yes, absolutely!
Design skills make you more effective in any role. Product managers, developers, marketers, researchers, and founders all work better when they understand how to think like a designer.
IxDF Local Groups reflect that. Members come from all kinds of professional backgrounds, not just design. What they share is an interest in how design shapes products, decisions, and careers.
You'll fit right in regardless of your background.
You don’t need to be a designer to have a seat at the table. IxDF Pune
Curiosity and good coffee are the only requirements. IxDF Santo Domingo
From designers to business thinkers, every voice adds value. IxDF Bordeaux
You don’t need to be a designer to think creatively. IxDF Chennai
Everyone here learns from each other and grows together. IxDF Salvador
Get a Place To Belong.
Meet the Right People
In a world that's getting more artificial and competitive, IxDF brings the heart back, so you never have to face the job market alone.
Learn together, get mentored, find your next job, and build friendships that grow your career.
