Newcastle Gov Jam 2022

Gov Jam is 2 days of rapid research, design and experimentation to solve a problem in public services and help improve citizens' lives. Newcastle Gov Jam is part of the Global Gov Jam (#GGovJam) and is free and open to EVERYONE (registration is required).

Taking place 16 - 18 November 2022, in-person at Thoughtworks Newcastle on Grey Street, it is all about applying the tools, techniques, and mindset of user-centred design to the public sector. But, you don’t have to be a researcher or designer or work in the public sector or even Government to get involved. If you are curious about learning by doing and making things better for people, everyone is welcome.

How it works
Jammers have 48 hours to work together in teams, armed with a core principle of “doing, not talking”. Teams are formed at kick-off and solve a problem based on a surprise theme that’s revealed. It’s fun, playful, fast-paced and will stretch your skills. It's also a safe space to try out tools and techniques and learn things from other people.

If this sounds like your kind of thing, sign up and Jam!

Schedule

• Wed 16th November, 5pm-7pm - Kick-off, secret theme unveiling and splitting into teams
• Thu 17th November, 9am-6pm - Jamming day 1
• Fri 18th November, 9am-3pm - Jamming day 2
• Fri 18th November, 3pm-5pm - Showcase and celebration
• (More details coming soon…)

Any questions or for more information, contact Gabe Fender (gfender -at- thoughtworks.com).

See what a Gov Jam is like
We’re excited that this is the first UK Gov Jam since the pandemic. Each Gov Jam is a bit different but the principles stay the same: use a rapid, human-centred approach and focus on doing, not talking. Check out Leeds Gov Jam 2019 and blogs by DWP Digital to get a flavour of what it’s like.

FAQ
Is this only for user researchers and service designers?
It’s open to anyone and all roles! User researchers, service designers, content designers, UX designers, business analysts, project managers, product managers, software developers, quality analysts, data scientists/engineers and anyone else! The only restriction is that you must be 18 or older to take part.

Is this only for people working in the government or public sector?
No, it’s a great place for public servants and citizens to Jam side by side and really appreciate each other’s world. Join us if you work in public sector, private sector, charity or are a student or just really interested in solving problems!

What do I need to bring to the event?
All you need to bring is yourself, your ideas and enthusiasm. Laptops are usually helpful but not essential and you’re welcome to bring physical prototyping materials, cardboard, Lego or whatever you like. We can’t be held responsible for your personal belongings while in the Jam, so anything you do bring along is at your own risk.

What about food and drink?
We’ll provide snacks, water, tea and coffee-making facilities in the office. Jammers need to bring or buy their own lunch. There's a wide selection of food options around the office in Newcastle's City Centre.

What if I can’t make the whole 2 days?
You really need to be there on Wednesday evening for the kick-off and secret theme video, but after that some participants do just one of the other days - it’s for you to self-organise and figure out with your Jam team.

What happens to the things we make during the jam?
At the end of the Jam, we’ll upload copies of the things we’ve made to the Global Jam Site. Everything created during the Jam will be released under a Creative Commons License.