Engage 2025

I had the surreal experience of speaking at my first-ever tech conference—Claris Engage 2025. As a designer stepping into a room full of FileMaker developers, I’ll be honest: I was nervous. Like, “double-check your slides for the tenth time, maybe fake a tech issue and sneak out the back” nervous.

But I stayed. And I’m glad I did.

The Build-Up

As the conference approached, a whirlwind of emotions consumed me. The thought of addressing an audience well-versed in development, while I came from a design background, was daunting. I questioned whether my insights would resonate and if I could bridge the gap between design and development effectively.​

Session Highlights

My session, titled "Button Bars are Everything," delved into the pivotal role of button bars in enhancing user interfaces within FileMaker solutions. Drawing from my experiences, I shared insights on how this versatile element can streamline design processes and improve user interactions.​

The Hive: Allison, Russ, Jay, Red, Vincent, Julian, Me and, The Kim

Key points discussed included:

  • Versatility of Button Bars: Beyond traditional navigation, button bars can serve as dynamic elements that adapt based on user roles and data states.​
  • Design Systems Integration: Incorporating button bars into a cohesive design system ensures consistency, reduces complexity, and enhances maintainability.​
  • Conditional Visibility: Utilizing calculated labels and conditional show/hide features allows for personalized user experiences, displaying relevant options based on specific contexts.​

These strategies aim to reduce friction, promote consistency, and establish predictable patterns—core principles in effective UI/UX design.​

Overcoming the Nerves

Standing before a room filled with developers, I took a deep breath and reminded myself of the value that design brings to development. As I progressed through my presentation, the initial jitters faded, replaced by an engaging dialogue with attendees. Their questions and feedback underscored a shared interest in integrating design principles into development workflows.​

Reflections

Reflecting on the experience, I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute a designer's perspective to a developer-centric conference. The positive reception affirmed that bridging the gap between design and development is not only possible but essential. This experience has emboldened me to continue advocating for design's role in creating intuitive and effective solutions.​

Conclusion

Engage 2025 was more than just a conference; it was a platform for growth, collaboration, and breaking personal barriers. To fellow designers contemplating stepping into unfamiliar territories: embrace the challenge. Our perspectives are invaluable, and sharing them can lead to meaningful advancements in any field.​