We are a friendly, welcoming and collaborative community, with a growing number of local groups based in cities worldwide.
What we do
Each city runs slightly different events, and each group decides what they want to get out of their get-togethers. Sometimes there’s a speaker or a theme, sometimes we just eat, drink, and see where the conversation goes. The one thing we can guarantee is that you won’t feel pressurised to present. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, and if you want help with a particular UX challenge, you’ll find plenty of willing problem-solvers.
How it started
In 2013 Lizzie Dyson and Georgie Bottomley, both UX (User Experience) professionals, loved their jobs but there was always a doubt about where the other women in the industry were. They noticed that across the industry there was a real lack of women both at a mid-level and more senior roles within the industry. They had no roles models. We set up Ladies that UX and held our first meeting in August 2013 in Manchester, UK.
Ladies that UX creates a space for women from all levels to engage and talk about their experiences, both positive and negative, and get the support and inspiration that they are looking for. There are so many places you go along to and people give talks and put their ideas across, but what we wanted to offer is a more relaxed environment – one where people are more open to sharing ideas and there’s no pressure to speak out. And that’s what you’ll now find at every Ladies that UX group.
In a sector with a high proportion of men in it, Ladies that UX is all about giving women the chance to meet up to support each other, push the UX boundaries, and promote female skill and talent.
We are sometimes asked about why Ladies that UX is currently a female only group, if you are interested we have written more on this topic.
Georgie Bottomley
Co-Founder
“When Lizzie and I got talking that fateful night in 2013 I realised that I have always loved meeting people, and bringing people together. Ladies that UX has become such a passion to me, not just because I get to meet fantastic women in our industry, but also because I know there are ladies out there that have met due to what Lizzie and I have created. I know personally how important it is to have a strong community around you that support you, and encourage you. By being a part of Ladies that UX I have achieved more than I ever would have on my own. I hope that every woman has the chance to achieve more through knowing she is not the only one out there, and by finding support in our community.”
Lizzie Kelly-Dyson
Co-Founder
“Since Ladies that UX has started we have had the most amazing feedback and encouragement. Women from all around the globe have attended our meet ups or started their own, supporting our mission to encourage and support women in ways that we could only of dreamed of when we started. We wanted to create a collaborative community for women that could come along and feel relaxed after a long day at work. It’s about learning more about UX and creating friendships within the community whilst also being comfortable enough to ask for advice. Ladies that UX has allowed me to introduce people to each other and create connections around the world, knowing that Ladies that UX has had a fundamental part in makes me feel so proud.”