Hello,

In order to move forward with the idea of holding a face-to-face event
before the end of the year I thought it might be a good idea to put a
few thoughts forward to gauge what people are looking for exactly.

I'd also like to take some time during the first meeting to discuss
the creation of a 'board of directors' that would work together to
guide Mobile Design UK going forward - I don't want this to be my sole
gig/show/responsibility, that's not the idea behind it. Ideally, I'd
like to work towards something similar to the Mobile Monday model
where there is shared input.


Location
--
Priya from Flirtomatic has mentioned that we could use their offices
for the first event. I believe it can hold about 20 or so people
(Priya correct me if I'm wrong - I've only been there once).
Flirtomatic's office is located about 5 minutes walk from Oxford
Circus - so it's very convenient to get to, with lots of pubs nearby
to grab a drink afterward. That said, if we have more interest we may
have to make other arrangements or limit the number of participants.


Date
--
We don't want to conflict with any other mobile or design related
events if possible.
From November 10th the following events are taking place:

Mobile Monday - Nov 10th
Chinwag: MoSo Rising - Nov 11th
Mobile Technology in Travel - Nov 11th
Mobile Content London - Nov 12th
Future of Mobile - Nov 17th
Mobile Monday - Dec 1st

Given that, we're thinking of scheduling the first Mobile Design UK
meeting the week of December 1st - but AFTER Mobile Monday, more
likely the Wednesday (3rd) or Thursday (4th). Much later than that and
most people will have commitments to Christmas parties, shopping, etc.


Format
--
I've heard some great comments on the 'This Happened' format.
http://www.thishappened.org/guidelines

I'm also open to other formats such as:

Critique Sessions - constructive critique of an existing product or
service
http://www.scottberkun.com/essays/23-how-to-run-a-design-critique/

Pecha Kucha - quick, focused presentations about varied topics
http://www.pecha-kucha.org/

Workshops/Studios - collaborative exercise working through a design
problem(s)

...or any other ideas you might have.


Topics
--
The following are a few ideas off the top of my head - please chime in
with interest for any, or feel free to suggest others.

- Mobile Typography
- Touch Interfaces
- Near Field Communication
- Designing for screen size and pixel density variance
- Mobile Web
- Critique of the iPhone (or any other device)
- Glanceable UIs
- Fashion vs Features
- Design Research Techniques
- Beyond the Device: Looking at the entire mobile user experience
- Designing Location-Based Services
- Mobile sketching ad prototyping techniques
- The State of Mobile Advertising
- Mobile in Developing Nations
- Designing mobile devices for the elderly and people with disabilities
- More than just phones (PSP, Nintendo DS, eBook readers, GPS units,
etc)
- ...

And of course, to we're looking for people to present and/or lead
sessions. If you're interested please do get in touch.

Website
--
Currently the website is just a simple WordPress blog set-up to get
the ball rolling. I've been chatting with Brian Fling of http://mobiledesign.org
about working with him to bring the two together in some way.
Regardless, if you're interested in contributing (design,
announcements, recording meetings, etc) drop me a line, or better yet
come to the first meeting.

Thoughts?

Cheers,

Bryan Rieger