I think good user experience is essential when building things, whether it be software or anime conventions.
User experience (UX) is a term that has become increasingly important in recent years. It refers to the way in which a user interacts with a product or service, and encompasses everything from the design of the user interface to the way in which the product is marketed.
In my opinion, good user experience is essential when building anything, whether it be software or anime conventions. In the case of anime conventions, the user experience is of paramount importance. Anime conventions are events that bring together people with a shared interest in anime, manga, and Japanese culture. The success of an anime convention hinges on the experience of the attendees.
Why would people go to an anime convention that isn’t fun to attend? Having a good experience is the most important part of anime cons, because you want to make friends, be part of a community, and have a fun time.
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about user experience at an anime convention is the layout of the convention itself. A well-designed layout will make it easy for attendees to find what they are looking for, and will prevent them from feeling lost or overwhelmed. This includes everything from the placement of vendors to the location of the main events.
This is why we’ve put in significant resources into stuff like banners that make it easy to find panel rooms and events. We don’t want people to have to wander all the way up and down every hallway just to find the panel room they’re looking for, we want things to be easy to find.
Another important aspect of user experience at an anime convention is the availability of information. Attendees should have access to clear and concise information about the schedule of events, the location of important areas such as the restrooms and the ConSweet, and any rules or policies that they need to be aware of. This information should be available both online and at the convention itself.
This is why I try to put as much information as possible on our convention websites, and even recently redesigned the websites of some of our smaller cons like Anime-zing! in Davenport.
The availability of resources is also key to a good user experience at an anime convention. This includes things like the availability of seating, the quality of the sound system, and the availability of charging stations for electronic devices. Attendees should feel comfortable and well taken care of, and should be able to enjoy the convention without worrying about basic needs.
One often-overlooked aspect of user experience at an anime convention is the quality of the staff. The staff should be friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, and should be available to answer questions and address concerns. They should be able to handle any issues that arise in a professional and efficient manner.
Finally, the overall atmosphere of the convention is crucial to the user experience. Attendees should feel comfortable and welcome, and should be able to enjoy themselves without feeling judged or excluded. This includes everything from the behavior of other attendees to the quality of the food and drinks available.
Of course user experience matters in software development too. I have been building software for 20 years, including my convention registration system called Cons.mx. When building software, it is crucial to keep the end user in mind. It doesn’t matter how powerful or feature-rich a software program is if the user can’t figure out how to use it. The goal should always be to create an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users to accomplish their tasks.
In conclusion, good user experience is essential when building anything, including anime conventions. The success of an anime convention depends on the experience of the attendees, and a well-designed, well-executed convention can create a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved. By prioritizing the layout of the convention, the availability of information and resources, the quality of the staff, and the overall atmosphere, we can create anime conventions that are enjoyable and engaging for everyone.
