12 Side Projects in 12 Months
Kezie Todd
Associate UX Designer
We all have it: that list of projects to launch ‘someday’. Last year, I transformed mine from a wishlist to a to-do list. The goal: complete 12 side projects in 12 months. One year on, I break down the lessons learned from the Side Project Project to show how to draw insights from seemingly unrelated projects. From 3D modelling and launching a newsletter to museum exhibitions and a text adventure starring an undead pharaoh. No idea was off limits and all were chronicled live. In these times of uncertainty and burnout, side projects have an increasing role to play. But first, we have to overcome the fear of failure and learn to embrace the hobby, not just the hustle. With a year in side projects, anyone can do exactly that.
Teaching herself anything from modular synthesis to origami for the latest idea, side projects are a way of life for Kezie. As a primarily self-educated, third culture kid, she looks to find the fun in venturing outside your comfort zone and help others do the same. Designing infrastructure automation systems by day at Puppet and anything from organising meetups to nerding out on tabletop game design by night, she’s learned to carry the best of the 9to5 into the 5to9 and vice versa by bringing a beginner’s mindset and hobbyist’s enthusiasm to any project, side or not.
