UX workshops for introverts
A disclaimer to start this blog post: Although workshopping is one of my favourite tasks of UX (due to the problem solving and innovation side), as an introvert I can find it incredible exhausting.
As much as I love being around people, when coming up with ideas and questions regarding problem solving, I find it difficult to speak up and bring ideas to the table. This is because my energy comes from thinking in solidarity rather than as a group and avoid generating ideas spontaneously.
I also find in workshops groupthink becomes more prominent, whereby it’s easier to agree collectively, rather than highlighting my actual thoughts; I need to think on my own about potential ideas, before bringing back to the group.
When researching how to create effective workshops as an introvert, these were the top things to consider when organising one:
• Managing energy. Introverts are drained by social interaction and need alone time to recharge.
• Processing time. Introverts take in lots of multi-layered information. They may therefore need more time than extroverts to process information, reflect, and decide what to say. They also need to understand expectations so they may prepare in advance.
• Privacy and caution. Introverts do not like to call attention to themselves and can be reticent to share their ideas — especially if they are not yet fully formed or may provoke conflict.
• Meaning and focus. Introverts are drawn to meaningful conversations and can go deep into subjects. Conversely, they get overwhelmed when multiple themes are discussed simultaneously.
• Deep listening. Introverts can be very attentive listeners. They may notice things and make connections that extroverts miss. They also ask great questions.
• Writing and non-verbal expression. Many introverts prefer to communicate in ways other than talking and may be skilled at writing or drawing.
• Creativity and imagination. Introverts have rich inner lives which can lead them to uncover valuable insights and generate creative solutions.
Taking this into account, below I have noted some top tips for creating successful workshops with introverts in mind:
1) Come up with a plan and give everyone a notice beforehand and a chance to prepare. This can help to understand the question more and bring ideas on an individual level.
2) Create a small icebreaker, but nothing where you are forced to work as a team as this can cause more anxiety and for people to shut off from the workshop. Like stating a random fact about yourself helps to build rapport and show the human side of the individual members.
3) Remove a sense of judgement and make sure everyone is listened to. Nothing shuts down someone who is an introvert by not listening or dismissing someone’s idea.
4) Incorporate alternative ideation ideas and ways to communicate (such as walking brainstorming), whereby everyone can write ideas down and place on a board.
5) Make it fun and reduce a sense of judgement. Remember no idea is a silly one!
6) Promote teaching and education within the sessions. Everybody can learn something from someone else’s perspective.
7) Keep to one subject area at a time.
If you’re interested in receiving mentorship from me, whether it’s for a one-off call or for short-term or long-term membership in UX Design, feel free to book a 30-minute consultation with me through my Calendly link. I look forward to helping you grow in your UX Design career!
