What I did this week
Editing and translation of the accessibility book. It has probably turned into more of a task than I expected over the last two weeks. We’re getting there and it’s important to give it the attention it deserves. Catrin has done a special job translating as well. I hope to share more about the process before long, I’m thinking about how to ‘rationalise’ that process so that it can be considered useful or be modified in the future. I also had a look at Josh’s visual design and it looks great!
Writing to the Welsh Language Commissioner’s office at their request with ideas and considerations about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in relation to the Welsh language. This is an area where I don’t have much expertise on the technical side but I have reflected quite a bit on how AI might change roles such as service design, translation and communication in the future. I’m not sure what translators think about this, and I don’t want to speak for them. I plan to go to the Association of Translators’ conference later this month to see what the opinion is among translators. I will share those comments here before long. Thanks to Pete for an interesting chat about this.
Doing a bit of administrative work leading up to the Content Design Wales session next Tuesday. I’m looking forward to hearing from Russel Davies!
On Wednesday morning I was interviewing – one always forgets how much practical and mental effort goes into this!
Highlights
Service manual content crit: thanks to Ruth and Alex M for a special session. It felt good to feel closer to content work too, just to be able to offer my expertise without expecting anyone else to receive or act on the feedback. I would like us to do more of this and I will work with the other senior designers to see what is possible. Content crits were on my mind as we ran a session on that in our latest community session.
Internal show and tell – I was skeptical that this would work (as we had tried something similar before). But it was great. I think the difference is that the squads have a specific focus and that 5 minutes rather than 2 or 3 is appropriate. The danger will go into a rut, and that is what needs to be avoided.
Matt Jukes session – I really enjoyed this and so inspired to write again!
I received a very exciting offer which I will not reveal now – there will be more to share soon!