About this Event
GRWebDev Powered by LaFleur and West Michigan Product Community present
From Instincts to Insights: Validating Before You Build
Atomic Object (1034 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506)
Monday, October 26th 2026, 6pm - 8pm
DESCRIPTION
Most products start off the same way: someone sees a problem and decides to do something about it. In their head, the solution might be clear and obvious. But is the problem they've noticed the real problem, or just the most visible symptom? And is their solution actually the one people will use - or just the one that makes the most sense to them?
As agentic coding makes building the thing easier than ever, the hard part of product development isn't writing the code - it's figuring out what to build in the first place. What is it? How will people actually use it? Is it solving the problem it was intended to solve? And, the big one: do people even want or need it? The instinct to build is real, but instinct alone can't tell you if you're solving the right problem, in the right way, for the right people.
This month, GRWebDev is teaming up with the West Michigan Product Community for a panel discussion on validation: the ongoing work of testing your assumptions. We’ll investigate how to frame the right questions, challenge one’s own suppositions, and keep learning throughout the product development process. We’ll also tackle a hands-on exercise to explore how to gain real insight through interviewing.
Whether you're building a product, a feature, or a business, this event is about the work that happens before - and alongside - the building. Join us on Monday, October 26th at Atomic Object - we'll kick things off at 6pm.
OUR PANEL
is a strategic leader with over 20 years of consulting experience. She has built high-performing teams to deliver multi-modal product experiences across the consumer, B2B, medical, and automotive markets. A dedicated community builder, she leverages AI to optimize product development processes and eliminate bottlenecks. Christy is motivated by aligning teams with innovative possibilities to drive meaningful outcomes and strategic impact.
is an experienced strategy and product leader with more than 20 years of work across consultancies, enterprise technology services and her own studio, Volkin Design. She helps organizations, from startups and nonprofits to larger Fortune 500 brands turn ambiguous problems into research-grounded strategy, and today she advises enterprise clients on where AI changes what's worth building. She partners with senior leaders to build design and product thinking into their organizations and push them toward bold, customer-focused innovation.
is a Product Owner and Principal Consultant at CM Launch Lab who helps software leaders translate complex business operations into high-performing digital products. Grounded in over 10 years of operational and agile delivery experience across MedTech, SaaS, and insurance, her approach is strictly practical: real user feedback, structural clarity, and execution that delivers.
is a Senior Experience and Change Designer at Crowe’s xDesign Lab, where she helps organizations navigate major transitions and technology updates with confidence. She focuses on creating human-centered learning experiences that make complex changes feel manageable, positive, and genuinely supportive for everyday users. By partnering closely with teams to uncover their biggest workplace challenges, Joelle helps turn potential disruptions into clear, practical paths forward.
OUR MODERATOR
is a product leader who brings over a decade of experience building and scaling digital products across startups, enterprises, and agencies. Grounded in a Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, he excels at blending strategic vision with hands-on problem solving to craft natural, user-centered experiences. Mike is particularly focused on leveraging AI to shape modern product strategy and drive meaningful, intuitive technology adoption.
SCHEDULE
- 6:00pm … Refreshments and Networking
- 6:30pm … Opening Announcements + Panel Discussion
- 7:20pm … Q&A
- 7:30pm … Hands-On Exercise
- 7:45pm … Closing Announcements
- 8:00pm … Event Ends
LOCATION
Atomic Object is located on the south side of Wealthy Street just east of Diamond Avenue.
PARKING
Parking is available in the lot next to Atomic Object as well as on Wealthy and nearby streets. Street parking pricing and hours vary depending on location; details can be found on the City of Grand Rapids website.
SPONSORS
This month’s meetup is sponsored by . West Michigan Tech Talent connects local employers, educators, community organizations and workforce experts who are invested in creating a strong tech workforce. By sharing best practices, leveraging resources and collaborating on innovative solutions, WMTT is actively addressing the tech talent gap and makes upskilling affordable and accessible. Learn more at westmichigantechtalent.com.
This event is also sponsored by . Empowering West Michigan's startup ecosystem through financial, intellectual & social capital, Start Garden provides a neighborhood for startups to grow. No matter where you are on your journey - whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup or simply a dreamer with a great idea - the Start Garden ecosystem provides a strong community of support to help you get your idea off the ground or move your business to the next level. Learn more at startgarden.com.
GRWebDev's title sponsor is . LaFleur is your forward-thinking digital marketing partner, creating innovative, data-driven marketing strategies and assets for law firms, healthcare organizations, and growing businesses. Learn more about their services on the web at lafleur.marketing.
VENUE
Our venue this month is . Atomic Object is a custom software consultancy that designs and builds reliable, easy-to-use web, mobile, desktop, and embedded products. Founded in 2001, the firm serves a national client base ranging from ambitious startups to Fortune 500 enterprises from its offices in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Chicago, and Raleigh-Durham. By combining strategic insight with experienced design and development, Atomic Object helps organizations modernize systems, innovate digital experiences, and drive bottom-line growth. Learn more at atomicobject.com.
Event venue & nearby stays
Atomic Object, 1034 Wealthy Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, United States
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