Slides for a talk I've recently given at UX Australia. Many of us have seen improvisational comedy. We remember the laughs and the slapstick humor, but improv is about more than just being funny. At its core, the things that make improv so successful are also traits that can make UX designers successful: the ability to listen, to think in the moment, and to clearly communicate creative ideas. The principle around which improv is built is a concept known as “Yes, and,” meaning the ideas of others are affirmed and built upon. Through basic improv activities and group discussion, this presentation will show how to apply this improv technique to enhance interactions with clients and team members, facilitate creative brainstorming sessions, and foster team unity.

1. JUST SAY YES:
ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV
HEATHER WYDEVEN
@heatherwyd

2. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
I’M A THEATRE NERD.

3. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
A form of theatre
in which the action is
created in the moment.
IMPROV

4. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
YES, AND…

5. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
YES =
Accepting an offer
as it is given to you,
at face value.

6. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
AND =
Directly adding
something of value.

7. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO UX?

8. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
ADAPT.

9. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
Game:
WORD BALL

10. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
LISTEN.

11. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
Game:
CONDUCTED STORY

12. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
COLLABORATE.

13. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
Game:
HUMAN MACHINE

14. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
SUMMARY
Adapt.
Listen.
Collaborate.

15. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
CHALLENGE
What opportunities can I say yes to?
How can I add value?

16. JUST SAY YES: ENHANCING DESIGN SKILLS THROUGH IMPROV @HEATHERWYD
SCENE.

17. HEATHER WYDEVEN
@heatherwyd
hwydeven@nerdery.com