#1 - the UX of nature
Details
Meet likeminded UX professionals and discuss ways to use design to reduce burnout.
The Problem: With stress and burnout on the rise, how can we use design to help Londoners "switch off" and reconnect with nature?
For our first design impact lab session, we’ll be using the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) as a lens to discuss how simple interventions can help us reconnect with nature to reduce stress & burnout.
The Flow (Sunday 12th April 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM):
- 10:00 | Coffee & Intros (WatchHouse, Hanover): We’ll meet for coffee to kick things off. You'll meet other attendees and discuss the problem space.
- 10:30 | Observation Walk: A 15-minute mini fieldwork walk to Hyde Park. You'll observe how the environment changes from a busy urban centre to the park and how this impacts how you feel.
- 11:00 | Shinrinyoku & Brainstorming: Once we find a quiet spot, we’ll dive into the world of Shinrin-yoku. We’ll discuss how nature can boost wellbeing and brainstorm "micro-interventions" - simple design ideas (digital or physical) that could encourage more people in London to engage with nature to reduce stress & burnout.
- 12:00 | Closing & Optional Lunch: We'll wrap up our discussions and those who have time can go for a casual lunch or picnic in the park.
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Pre-Event Mission:
Your mission is to bring one photo on your phone of a natural spot that made you feel good recently. It can be a park, a window box, or even a stubborn weed in the pavement. We’ll share these over coffee to explore the different ways in which nature impacts our day to day experiences.
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The Details:
- Meeting Point: WatchHouse, Hanover (Oxford Circus).
- Capacity: We’re keeping this to a small group to ensure everyone can connect and contribute. Please ensure your RSVP is up to date and let us know if you're unable to attend.
- Vibe: Friendly and relaxed! No laptops, just notebooks and fresh air.
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Why Join?
If you’re a designer or researcher who wants to use your skills for more than just "conversion," come say hi.
It’s a chance to meet like-minded people, learn about forest bathing and brainstorm design solutions to a universal problem.
It's also our very first event, and I would love to hear everyone's thoughts and feedback to improve.
Who is this for?
Our events are for UX designers, researchers and other strategic and creative thinkers who are passionate about using their skills for social good, not just profit.
Who is the host?
Hi! 👋 I'm Max - a London based design researcher. Until recently I was based in Tokyo, where I ran a small design agency and spent over 10 years as a meetup organizer. I'm exploring ways to bring designers together to use our skills to work on meaningful problems. If that sounds like something you're interested in, I'd love to have you join!
*This event is being advertised on multiple sites, so the actual number of attendees will be different to what appears on meetup.