Hey, sorry, loyal reader, I’ve been derelict in my duties: I promised some recap/thoughts on SXSW Interactive almost two weeks ago and I’m just now getting to it. No, it’s not because I’m just now finally recovering from the many parties I attended that week… though that is a part of it. I had two big deadlines I had to attend to at work, as well as familial duties, and so I am just now posting this.
Anyway, it was my first time attending SXSW Interactive, and it most certainly will not be my last. What a blast – seeing some really provocative panels, meeting some great people (including the CEO of Mint.com and designer extrodinaire David Carson) and enjoying some fine dining in that mecca of culture, Austin Texas… totally worth it.
Some highlights:
Meeting the writers behind the characters on Mad Men on Twitter. They have created a virtual universe that shows us what the characters on Mad Men do when they are not on screen – drawing us into that universe even more. Awesome. Checkout their website.
Actually getting a hug from a beautiful woman because of the work I have done as a UX designer to increase the number of people who get their bills delivered electronically instead of in paper, killing trees… again, awesome.
Attending the SXSW web awards and being thoroughly entertained by The Onion editor Baratunde Thurston’s take on the Skittles Twitter campaign… Here, watch:
The Onion Editor Baratunde Thurston on Skittles from david Plain on Vimeo.
Becoming a member of the Theremin Army, having the chance to meet a lovely lady who loves the only new musical instrument created in the 20th century. Here’s her website…
Watching Zappos.com CEO Tony Hsieh talking about why customer support is the most important thing… Again, watch:
Tony Hsieh on happiness from david Plain on Vimeo.
I will probably update this post with more great memories, but I think this will do for now. Man, I had a blast.