More like compelled to solve

Lecture Details

Autism has shaped my life in ways that are difficult to explain. It’s like a dog trying to tell a cat what it’s like to be a dog—by barking at it. Except it’s worse, because I look like you. You assume I share and understand the same psychological rules and norms. I don’t. We don’t. And when those unspoken expectations are broken, people assume malice rather than difference.

I’m telling you this because this misunderstanding has haunted my interactions my entire life. It forced me to study the indigenous humanoids (you) to understand what drives their wants, needs and expectations.

That, in turn, put me in an excellent position to solve problems. Autistics like me are wired for problem-solving. We see patterns everywhere. When survival depends on observation and problem solving, you get very good at it.

I also hate half assed solutions, I hate unsolved riddles, I don’t see why anyone has to suffer them.

I am compelled to solve them, which appears to others as though I am inspired to create.

Maybe they’re two sides of the same coin.

I’ve learned that understanding human psychology is the key to creating the most valuable solutions, to being inspired by their problems and compelled to solve them.

About Sean McSharry

As an experienced Litter picker, Tree Surgeon, Roofer, Delivery Driver, Bouncer, Pilates instructor and UX leader Sean McSharry believes two things: there are no unsolvable problems and there’s a universal pattern to everything, but you need experience before it becomes clear. Expert in all things UX and problem-solving. Neurodiversity advocate

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanmcsharry/

Virtual Event Details

The Zoom link to attend is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87387924566?pwd=RVlJT3d1VThtOTM4V2dCU3RUV1dSZz09