ASIS&T;
Since 1937, ASIS&T; has been the society for information professionals leading the search for new and better theories, techniques, and technologies to improve access to information.
The (Digital) Place You Love Is Gone — Loss in Hyperspace
So many times we design for new users, with only a passing nod at existing ones. But what happens when we redesign a familiar experience, especially one that people have "grown up with"? What happens when digital destinations disappear? A strong dissonance affects people who become used to a certain digital place, a certain set of patterns, images, and interactions. When this place changes, especially dramatically, people experience loss, frustration, anger, blame, and confusion.
They don't have to. That's where UX comes in.
We'll use Melissa Holbrook Pierson's "The Place You Love Is Gone: Progress Hits Home" as a starting point, with strong nods to work by Andrea Resmini and Luca Rosati, Jim Kalbach, Peter Morville, and other experts in placemaking, wayfinding, and other digital geographies. We'll look at physical analogies as well as digital examples such as Facebook's Timeline, XING, and AOL's transformation. Ultimately, we'll ponder key approaches to easing the sense of loss people might experience when progress destroys their digital homes.
Joe Sokohl
For 20 years, Joe Sokohl has concentrated on crafting excellent user experiences, using content strategy, information architecture, interaction design, and user research. He helps companies effectively integrate user experience into product development.
Currently the principal for Regular Joe Consulting, LLC, Joe has previously held UX-oriented positions based in Boston, MA; Hamburg, Germany; Chicago, IL; Durham, NC; and here in Richmond. His diverse client list includes SnagAJob, Aetna, the Library of Congress, Best Buy, and the CDC.
A recent member of the board of directors for the Interaction Design Association, Joe actively engages with the UX community through speaking engagements worldwide. He also tweets about UX and other topics from @mojoguzzi as well as blogging at acm.org/interactions. He's spoken at SXSW, edUi, IA Summit, STC, Midwest UX, UX Australia, UX Camp DC, and a number of local and regional events.
Last but not least, he’s been a soldier, cook, radio DJ, blues road manager, and reporter once upon a time.
