Tell us about yourself
My name is Casey, I'm a UX researcher living in New York City.
Why did you participate in the workshop?
I was at a point in my career where I wanted to meet new people. Having never been to Japan, this workshop was the perfect opportunity to explore the culture, connect with people in the field, and learn new skills in a unique environment I hadn’t found anywhere else.

How did it stack up to your expectations?
It exceeded my expectations. I had so much fun while I was here.
The best thing about the UX workshop is how it brings together a community of like-minded people who share a passion for both UX and Japan, combining both of these interests together in one amazing week.
We’ve learned a ton from the organizers, including UX research methodologies, designing in Japan, different frameworks, and data about a town most of us had never heard of.
We’ve been able to apply all of this knowledge in really amazing ways.
We’ve also been encouraged to connect with the community, partnering with them and gaining their buy-in. It’s been a heart warming experience for us and hopefully the town as well.
Many connections have been made here that will continue after the workshop. We’ll not only stay in the same field but remain friends, with some of us planning to return and visit the townspeople. They’ve been so welcoming, and we look forward to coming back to enjoy Shimoda’s beaches and festivals.
It was truly incredible, thank you for organizing it and having me because I’ve learned so much.
What would you tell any colleague or friends interested in attending in the future?
I would definitely recommend this workshop to anyone who is interested in furthering their skills in an incredibly immersive and fun environment, meeting new people, and traveling to an area you're interested in. If you want to combine your love of travel and adventure with your passion for UX research, this workshop is perfect for you.