Rapid iterations and 3 gigs

Finalising a design ahead of private beta. Going to see Neutrals, The Flaming Lips and The Streets.

Back from hols and straight into it

This week was busy, both in and out of work. I got back from my hols to find a few user research session invites in my inbox, starting Monday morning. It was great to see the wider team turning up to observe user research sessions alongside UCD (user centred design) people.

One of our interaction designers was on leave this week, so I had to step into their shoes. It was fun, and slightly daunting, to finally be thrown in the deep end with the team's prototype.

Some rapid iterations were needed as we get closer to finalising the design ahead of private beta. And in one case, we learnt about a need in a research session, explored some design options as a team, showed a couple of options to a user, and then picked the best one to be handed over to the devs.

I'm glad I've got a few merged PRs (pull requests) under my belt.

3 gigs: Neutrals, The Flaming Lips and The Streets

On Monday I went to see Neutrals, with support from The Boneless Ones (UK) and On A Broken Edge. All the bands were new to me. It was fundraiser night for local skatepark, Exist. It was good to checkout Swansea's newly renovated Down By Here venue, which now has a much bigger stage in the back.

Wednesday was The Flaming Lips in Cardiff's Depot venue. A surprise birthday present from my wife. The Flaming Lips were a formative band for me. I remember listing to their album The Soft Bulletin in my teens. At that point I was only interested in metal and punk, but listening to The Flaming Lips made me realise that alternative music could also be weird, creative and colourful.

A crowd watching a gig. Hands are waving in the air as bright lights and confetti fill the room.

The show completely blew my mind. They had 20ft inflatable pink robots dancing on stage and a constant supply of lasers and confetti canons. Almost a religious experience!

The Streets were on Friday night in Cardiff castle. They played their second album, A Grand Don't Come for Free, in full. It's concept album that tells the story of a relationship, against a backdrop of noughties life. The set design was cool, and included a replica bus shelter from the album cover that Mike Skinner scribbled and graffitied as the story progressed. The band and crowd were on top form. It was a special night with a special group of friends.

I'd love to do it all again, maybe not crammed into one week though. 🫠