Why you, as an... introvert (or) woman (or) designer... should attend a DevCamp

Here's the thing, friends - I am all three of these identities and have been my entire career. Being an introvert, woman, or designer may create anxiety when thinking about a "DevCamp." All three together are a trifecta of sorts. But I'm here to share how participating in events like this can be fun, valuable, and even life-changing.

I'll start with a story, and then break down how each of these identities offers something unique in this context.

Rewind to May 2007, in Portland, Oregon. The PDX Tech scene was young and lively, and BarCamp was very much a thing. I remember being intimidated by the whole event. I anticipated that it would be largely attended by male engineers and that I would stick out like a sore thumb - which is, frankly, an introvert's worst nightmare.

After all, I hadn't written code in several years. I was a designer. (and not even a cool designer... I did not dress the part. I was nerdy about information architecture, not fonts.) And while I loved tech, it was not uncommon to be the only girl in the room back then.

I imagined that I would be on the fringes, the sidelines in every room. The only thing that helped me walk into BarCamp that day was knowing that a couple of (guy) friends from work were going to be there and we had brainstormed some session ideas ahead of time.

That day when I filled out my nametag at the check-in desk, someone cracked a joke. They looked at the guy next to me (nearly a foot taller than me and with these crazy awesome glasses, named Raven) and said - "You're a guy named Raven. She's a girl named James. That's funny. You should start a company together."

Well, wouldn't you know it... 2 years later we did start that company. And that company (Small Society) was a huge success. We launched the first wave of iOS apps for big brands. This included the first several years of Starbucks for iPhone (from launch through mobile payments). And then together we sold that company to Fortune One. It was one of the most interesting/fulfilling arcs of my career. All because I was brave enough to be a geek amongst geeks.

Fast forward to 2024, and I am now excited to stand next to Raven Zachary on the other side of the check-in table at VisionDevCamp to explore the endless possibilities of the Apple Vision Pro.

You never know who you may meet at an event like this, but I know that abstract opportunity doesn't tend to overcome anxiety and imposter syndrome. So let me help frame your value, as you consider the possibilities ahead.

As an introvert... Forgive me for stereotyping here, but you have keen perception. An ability to read the room. Your superpower is understanding the group dynamics, and being able to tell where your skills might be needed. You can observe who needs a helping hand, or who may have an upper hand in winning the demo contests. You may not be the one standing on the stage at the end of the day, but you are likely able to connect some important dots or organize a team when time matters most. Most work at a DevCamp is on small teams. You can find your people with a few short moments of bravery. Bringing an idea to the table or being able to pitch your skills quickly will get you everywhere. It is possible to do this quietly. It is worth the investment.

As a woman... (again, I will stereotype, so forgive the cultural shorthand and all of its shortcomings, but...) you likely bring a different perspective on the product. I know that being the non-dominant gender in a group can feel awkward at best, but stand strong in knowing that you've got a unique set of life experiences that represent half of the population. Those experiences can bring nuance to a product/demo that gives it a meaningful edge. Also, women often lead through valuable soft skills such as collaboration - you bring something unique to a team. Own it.

As a designer... great products are built with empathy. They succeed with a healthy tension between technical possibility and the desirability of the end user. You bring the tools of facilitation, research, the nuance of familiar design patterns, the power of radical creativity, and more. You are a storyteller who knows how to pitch an idea. You can give the demo the fit-and-finish that puts it over the top. Find the engineers that appreciate what you have to offer. Your talents are gold, especially in this environment.

I want to be explicit that for any of us who may feel nervous or feel like "other" in a setting like a DevCamp, it's important to reflect on what you bring to the table, believe it in your heart, and own it. I've given three examples of my own "otherness" - but these concepts and strengths can apply broadly to people of all sorts.

You don't have to be an expert when you walk in the door. You have to be passionate, curious, and yes - willing to put yourself out there. But it's worth it. It could open doors you'd never dreamed possible.

Show up. Community is powerful, and so are you.