UX Chat + Design Think Tank
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IxDF Los Angeles, CA
UX Chat + Design Think Tank
The LAUX Meetup and the LA chapter of the Interaction Design Foundation are excited to announce our new bi-monthly event series called “UX Chat”.
In order for all UX'ers, even those on the other side of town, to be able to join us we’re holding the UX Chat series on Saturday afternoons at 1 pm every 2 months.
There is convenient parking across the street from BLANKSPACES Santa Monica.
UX Chat will take on a unique mini-conference style with networking and breakout opportunities for different interest groups starting at 1 pm.
1 pm to 2 pm - Main room
Bring your own brown bag lunch for casual networking during lunch and to chat with other UX'ers. We’ll run through some introductory icebreakers exercises to help us make new friends. And, before the lunch session is over (1:45 pm) we’ll go over some cool tools and resources for UX designers.
We'll have some drinks and snacks on hand in case you forget to bring lunch.
2 to 4 pm - Conference room #1
Beginner UX mentoring / portfolio review 1:1 with experienced UX advisors. We limit consultation to 15 minutes per person so everyone has a chance.
2 to 3 pm - Conference room #2
UX & the Mind with Raymond Soon. Try out some mindfulness practices and self-discovery exercises to help out with your New Year's resolutions.
2 to 4 pm - Main room
We’re going to kick off our “Design Think Tank”, a design jam session, as a way for designers of all levels to gain team collaboration and design thinking experience. We’ll introduce a local startup company, their design problems and their business model canvas.
After the business canvas review, UX'ers break into teams of 2-4 people for about 1 hour to discuss how to best solve the problem and work on a deck, mockups, clickable or even paper prototypes, etc.
We’ll have some senior UX facilitators to help with each team. Starting at 3:30 pm, any teams that want to practice presenting will be able to share their ideas. We'll use the format of a 5-minute elevator pitch.
Our judges will select the best design/presentation and the team will win a $30 giftcard to Starbucks to split amongst their members.
Optional Post Event Field Trip
While you're in Santa Monica, we might as well go visit the new "B3TA" (BETA) store at the Promenade mall to try out the latest IOT (Internet of Things) hardware that you'd have to normally order on Kickstarter and wait it for to be delivered.
Free to Join
Attendance is free.
No IxDF membership required.
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.
Join us to make lifelong friendships over coffee and a shared love of design! ❤️
Local Leaders of IxDF Los Angeles
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IxDF Local Leader distinction: Local Leader of an IxDF Local Group -
IxDF Community Leader distinction: Awarded for serving as an influential IxDF community leader -
IxDF Connected Professional distinction: Attended 10 or more IxDF Meetups -
IxDF Community Explorer distinction: Attended 3 IxDF Meetups -
+4
Los Angeles, United States
Lisa Paruch
Brand & Product Design Lead
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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IxDF Santo Domingo
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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.
