The shaping of a community
In the beginning of 2018, I felt a need to engage in an international community where I could share my will to learn user experience design, and expand my network with like-minded people. It was hard to find such a community in Aarhus, that’s why I decided to research on how to create one together with my friend Laura.
Ladies that UX is an international meet-up initiative that was started some years ago, by two UX professionals in Manchester. Ladies that UX Aarhus is one of the many existing chapters worldwide.
What is Ladies that UX Aarhus?
We are a local community meet-up for women who are interested in UX — from just curious enthusiasts to C-level designers. It is a welcoming, safe environment where every woman will get support and promotion on her career, whether she is starting off or wanting to climb higher. We want LTUX Aarhus to become a free space where women can get knowledge and ask questions without being judged, but also share their life experiences as a woman working in tech. Hopefully, you will have the feeling of meeting a friend you haven’t talked to in a long time, and can’t wait to tell her all about what has happened to you; she will listen and support you. AND, there might be (hygge) wine-time involved after the meet-ups.
Why women only?
We have had this question many times, and it is equally interesting to answer it each time.
There is a low percentage of women in C-level positions in the tech industry, and a high number of women who leave the field without having the chance to experience growth. These numbers show that there is a need for a place where women can meet other people like themselves. Moreover, they need a place where they can meet role models — if you can see it, you can be it!
That’s why we will insist that our speakers are always women. Magic happens when women gather — we have more courage to share, speak freely and feel safe. It’s just the way it works.
These are our thoughts and it has nothing to do with being against men. UX design Århus community is just one example of sharing UX knowledge where everyone (mostly Danish speaking) is welcome. There are many men whose work we admire, and we are grateful to all our male supporters. We will always be looking at ways how we can include men in our activities — by makeing continuous voting and let the participants decide.
Activities you can expect
We played the Brainwriting game to get ideas on what activities we want to make at LTUX meet-ups. Here are some of them:
- Speeches from UX professionals (do’s & don’ts, concrete examples, best practices, best software to use,)
- Motivational and empowering speeches that give new input
- Themed meet-ups — a different theme each time
- Workshops and games (fx. rapid prototyping, )
- Workshops focusing on skill brush-ups: fx. sketch, indesign, html, analytics etc.
- Debate panels — it could be interesting to hear different perspectives
- Discussions about predefined topics: tools, methods, stories, recruiting, etc.
- Visiting relevant companies and getting introduced at their work culture and how they do UX
- Making a collaboration with universities and schools, Internet Week, and other relevant events.
- Networking sessions or free networking
- Food, wine, (coffee, tea, cake) and hygge
The Ladylike motivations for LTUX Aarhus
- A community made of women, for women
- Join us — if you need more UX in your life
- Join us — if you feel all alone in the world of wireframes and prototyping
- Join us — no matter the level of professionality or curiosity
- Come meet with us — if you feel the need to just talk freely
- There is something new to learn each time
- There is someone new to meet each time
- Meet your next UX hero at meetups
- Do it for your community.
- Do it for yourself.
These are just some of the ideas for activities and motivations we have iteratively improved on. There are plenty out there and we hope you are willing to share them and co-create this community with us.
Follow our facebook page and join the meet-up group to stay updated and participate in the free events we make. Feel free to write to us with any thoughts you have, or comment below about what YOU would want this community to be.
Also, remember to clap your hands if you like this post :)
