User Experience in Libraries 2025: Keynote and plenary speaker
Our speakers hail from inside and outside libraries and will be presenting on the following topics: the different stages of the UX process; advancing UX through communication and relationships; inclusivity and accessibility concerns; physical space development; and, more broadly, the value and relevance of UX to libraries.
KEYNOTE: VENESSA BENNETT (Global UX Director at Dye & Durham)
Title: ‘Building Trust to Drive the Full UX Process’
Summary:
We often become comfortable in the research phase, gathering valuable insights about our users. However, the true magic of UX occurs when we trust the process enough to progress from research to design and implementation. This keynote explores how building strategic relationships and mastering informal communication channels are essential for advancing UX initiatives through all phases. You’ll discover practical strategies for fostering stakeholder confidence, navigating organisational dynamics, and creating momentum that propels projects from initial insights to implemented solutions. Whether you’re new to UX or leading a team, grasping these dynamics is crucial to embracing and trusting the complete UX process.
KEYNOTE: STÉPHANIE WALTER (UX Researcher & Strategist)
Title: ‘Libraries for everyone: overcoming hidden barriers’
Summary:
Libraries exist to preserve and give access to knowledge. But is that access open to everyone? I want to challenge you, to rethink accessibility and inclusion from a wider angle. This keynote will address hidden barriers that stop people from fully engaging with your space — from cognitive overload to sensory overwhelm, social and emotional barriers, and beyond. We’ll explore how some UX tools and methods can be adapted, to help you find and fix these problems, making your library a space where everyone feels included.
OPENING ADDRESS: ANDY PRIESTNER (Director, Andy Priestner Consulting and Training)
Title: ‘Magical Mystery Tour: the 4 stages of the UX Process’
Summary: Roll up, roll up for the Mystery Tour! Andy’s opening address is a whistle-stop tour of the UX Process. The tour takes in the initial research process, stops off at data analysis and coding, sojourns a while in ideation, before arriving at the final destination: design. Along the way, he shares what he considers to be the magic of the process, with examples from libraries around the world, before explaining why he has become so confident in trusting each step.
He will also share what he thinks librarians and libraries should stop doing, what we never do enough of in our work lives, and how a tangible and practical UX process can offer you so much more motivation than you can possibly imagine.
Roll up for the Mystery Tour! Andy will share everything you need. Satisfaction guaranteed.
PLENARY: JOEL McGEORGE (Visitor Experience and Engagement Manager, Wellcome Collection)
Title: ‘Everything’s on Fire but That’s Probably Fine 
’
Summary:
An enraged wood machinist, a cantankerous scientist, and a disinterested jar of jelly beans walk into a bar… and I have the good fortune of serving them drinks (gin, coffee, hot chocolate, if you’re curious). Somehow, this is all part of the unexpected path that led me to UX. It may sound silly – but believe me, it felt sillier.
Far from weaving an impressive tale of heroic deeds and conclusive victories, I’m here to tell a pretty normal story about a (relatively) normal guy who had the chance to play in a UX playground. And I want you to come play too.
Join me as we dive into the wins, the missteps, and the insights I wish I’d had sooner. We’ll explore case studies, tackle UX challenges, and step back to see the bigger picture of what UX is really doing for us. Whether you’re new to UX or deep in the trenches, I hope you’ll find something useful – or at least entertaining. Let’s make this fun.
PLENARY: DEBORAH MORRIS and KATE KLUTTZ (Digital Library Service Manager and Learning Spaces & Operations Manager)
Title: ‘I didn’t know the library had any books: from UX to space flex’
Summary:
Debbie’s research looks at how Leeds Beckett students’ study habits have changed since the pandemic. She uses ‘walk & talk’ interviews with students – helping to break down some of the barriers which exist in more formal settings. Findings show that some students feel comfortable in the library, others feel anxious. Some feel the library has too many distractions, others that it makes their study time more accountable. Most only ever visit one area of the Library, some never study there at all. Kate is now using this data, alongside additional techniques such as feedback boards and behavioural observations, to inform some opportunistic developments of spaces in Leeds Beckett libraries and increase our appeal to students.
Book your place: https://uxlib.org/uxlibs2025/