Talk UX – Thematic Framework

This year’s theme is about the power of community, and the conference will bring people together to explore shared challenges and develop new solutions.

Redesigning Place

We believe that our conference should be focused on solving problems. As a group with strong local connections we have chosen to explore the following topic throughout the conference. 

Brighton’s creative sector is potentially at risk from being eroded due to lack of visibility, the loss of creative spaces, and opportunities favouring those from privileged backgrounds. Solutions to these challenges were proposed at a recent Brighton Chamber debate. As part of Talk UK 2025, we’ll aim to explore how UX methodologies could be used to uncover more ways to ensure our creative sector thrives for the benefit of all.

Crafting community

Toby Lowe, Professor of Public Management, defines a community as “a group of people who share an identity forming narrative”*. To be part of a community is to actively participate in the making and remaking of these stories.

Talk UX Brighton is a physical place to connect with our community. To celebrate each other, and collaboratively craft solutions for both physical and digital problems.

*Source: What is ‘community’ and why is it important?

Screens and beyond

In conversation, Becky Miller, Senior Policy and Service Designer, said “Design is so much more than digital. It’s a way of thinking about problems.”* Small changes to digital experiences have the power to make big differences in a user’s life.

Physical spaces are mediated by technology. Breaking down barriers opens up new problems for us to explore, providing us with opportunities to develop and demonstrate our skills across a variety of contexts and sectors. 

Changing places, not people

Professor Pippa Catterall, co-author of the 2021 report ‘Queering Public Space’, says “Public spaces are not neutral. They are shaped by the male gaze, and they are designed for use by particular groups.”* 

Minority groups have often needed to change their behaviour in order to gain access and feel safe in physical and digital spaces. Truly inclusive places meet the user where they’re at and include their voice in the design process. Talk UX in Brighton aims to empower underrepresented groups in tech so we can design more impactfully together. 

* Source: Queering Public Spaces: how can architecture be more inclusive?

How this supports our main theme / problem statement

Loss of creative spaces

A report from British Future shows strong public support for the role of the arts in making connections across society and helping to build more cohesive communities.

However, since COVID, Brighton has lost a large number creative spaces, reducing opportunities for collaboration and creative exchange.

Sources: British Futures Report, Brighton Chamber Debate: Is Brighton’s creative sector an undervalued powerhouse? 

Making the sensory world visible

The Brighton Chamber debate, Lucy Day pointed out that while Brighton is a “hotbed of creativity,” much of its work happens in isolation. To connect the dots, we need to consider physical spaces, systems, processes and communities.

Artists have also become over reliant on privately-owned platforms, entering algorithmic silos that further separate them from people in the real-world who might buy their work.

Sources: Brighton Chamber Debate: Is Brighton’s creative sector an undervalued powerhouse?

Opportunities favouring those from privileged backgrounds

The Brighton Chamber debate about the challenges facing the city’s creative sector highlighted that while the reputation for inclusivity is well-earned, there’s work to be done. 

Certain areas in Brighton get left behind in conversations (as pointed out by Bradley Tuck from Exploding Appendix). We need to ensure all voices are heard, and that solutions don’t favour certain groups. 

Sources: Brighton Chamber Debate: Is Brighton’s creative sector an undervalued powerhouse?