Austin World Usability Day

On Sept. 4, 2011, a major fire disaster erupted within just a few hours, and swept across several parts of Central Texas. Homes, pets and livestock were lost and two deaths were attributed to the wildfires. The Austin American-Statesman, through their reporting, web and social media efforts, became THE source for the latest fire news. Almost immediately, the Statesman’s Social Media Editor Maira Garcia, sprang into action. The Statesman’s tens of thousands of Twitter and Facebook followers turned to them for up-to-date fire coverage. The Statesman became the leader in breaking fire news. Social media became one of the primary ways for many in the community to stay informed about a live and on-going disaster.

In this free World Usability Day seminar, Maira Garcia, the Statesman’s Social Media Editor, will provide a rare glimpse into the strategy and tactics surrounding the Austin Statesman’s disaster coverage. You will learn how news was gleaned, vetted and distributed. This is a very special opportunity to hear directly from those leading the coverage how they did it, what they learned, and how education can be provided by designing for social change.

Please RSVP at http://austinupawud.eventbrite.com/