This event, co-managed by the University of London and the Bloomsbury Learning Environment (BLE), aimed to introduce User Experience (UX) processes in an accessible way to a wide-ranging audience. We focused on the process and techniques rather than the design, so the event served as an introduction to UX. The main UX elements that we will cover are Research, Design, Testing and Evaluation.
The event, which was opened by Professor Sir Paul Curran, President of City, University of London, consisted of two halves. In the morning, four keynote speakers presented their usage of UX processes from a variety of perspectives: HE marketing and communications, university-supported research, innovation workshops and Google's mobile web. Our speakers were joined by two other colleagues to make up a panel discussion about the challenges of UX in a Higher Education setting. In the afternoon, delegates broke-out into workshop sessions, led by experts in UX.
Aims and Objectives:
Video of the morning session:
The event, which was opened by Professor Sir Paul Curran, President of City, University of London, consisted of two halves. In the morning, four keynote speakers presented their usage of UX processes from a variety of perspectives: HE marketing and communications, university-supported research, innovation workshops and Google's mobile web. Our speakers were joined by two other colleagues to make up a panel discussion about the challenges of UX in a Higher Education setting. In the afternoon, delegates broke-out into workshop sessions, led by experts in UX.
Aims and Objectives:
- To provide an opportunity for staff to understand what is meant by UX design and testing
- To improve the skill-set of key staff in training them in UX methodologies
- To offer workshops for staff working in similar areas to learn more about UX in their own context
- To provide networking opportunities
Video of the morning session:
Presentations and resources
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"City’s User Experience Journey" Ryan Taylor, Head of Digital, Marketing & Communications (City, University of London)
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"Understanding and Evaluating UX" Prof Jonny Freeman, Professor of Psychology & Managing Director, i2 media research (Goldsmiths)
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"How Jisc fell in love with the design sprint" Andy McGregor, Deputy CIO (Jisc)
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"Building the next generation of the mWeb" Alessandra Alari, Head of Search Activation (Google)
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Links from Alessandra's presentation:
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Afternoon workshops
1. Developing the online learning environment using UX approaches
Led by Leonard Houx, Senior Instructional Designer (Cass Business School, City University London)
In this workshop, Leonard led presentations, discussions and activities for a number of areas crucial to developing a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). For example, best practice in writing for the web; adhering to branding guidelines; using an html editor and bootstrap; making sure the correct typography is used.
2. Research & Evaluation: Making use of analytics and testing techniques
Led by Dimitra Bazani, UX Architect (City, University of London)
In her workshop, Dimitra explained what usability research is, why it's important and described the different ways that it can be managed. Using case studies and results from her team's own research to demonstrate best practice for UX-informed research, she also explored the tools that can be used.
1. Developing the online learning environment using UX approaches
Led by Leonard Houx, Senior Instructional Designer (Cass Business School, City University London)
In this workshop, Leonard led presentations, discussions and activities for a number of areas crucial to developing a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). For example, best practice in writing for the web; adhering to branding guidelines; using an html editor and bootstrap; making sure the correct typography is used.
2. Research & Evaluation: Making use of analytics and testing techniques
Led by Dimitra Bazani, UX Architect (City, University of London)
In her workshop, Dimitra explained what usability research is, why it's important and described the different ways that it can be managed. Using case studies and results from her team's own research to demonstrate best practice for UX-informed research, she also explored the tools that can be used.
| dimitra_bazani.pptx |
3. Designing for UX
Led by Dr Jane Lessiter, Senior Research Psychologist (i2 Media Research, Goldsmiths University of London)
Jane introduced the concept of segmentation, which is an approach used to categorise a collection of users into a set of personas. She did this by drawing on previous research projects conducted by her team and sharing the processes and procedures they have used.
Led by Dr Jane Lessiter, Senior Research Psychologist (i2 Media Research, Goldsmiths University of London)
Jane introduced the concept of segmentation, which is an approach used to categorise a collection of users into a set of personas. She did this by drawing on previous research projects conducted by her team and sharing the processes and procedures they have used.
| jane_lessiter.pdf |
4. Strategy for UX
Led by Michael Frantzis, Senior UX Consultant (Precedent)
This session provided the opportunity for Heads of Digital (and equivalents) to discuss how to embed UX approaches into an HE institution. Michael guided attendees into shaping a strategy which they could take away with them, drawing on his experience as a UX consultant and the former deputy director of Goldsmith's International Programmes in Computing.
Led by Michael Frantzis, Senior UX Consultant (Precedent)
This session provided the opportunity for Heads of Digital (and equivalents) to discuss how to embed UX approaches into an HE institution. Michael guided attendees into shaping a strategy which they could take away with them, drawing on his experience as a UX consultant and the former deputy director of Goldsmith's International Programmes in Computing.
| michael_frantzis.pptx |
