Overview

BRUXM - UX in Brum - is Birmingham’s first dedicated UX community, which I founded to connect UX professionals, aspiring designers, and enthusiasts. My goal was to foster collaboration, learning, and growth within Birmingham’s creative and tech sectors. Through a series of well-planned events, workshops, and discussions, BRUXM has become a platform where individuals can share knowledge, expand their networks, and collectively shape the future of user experience in the region.

My Role

As the Founder of BRUXM, I have led every aspect of establishing and growing the community, including:

• Vision and Strategy

  • Defined the mission and vision to create an inclusive and dynamic UX community.

• Event Planning and Execution

  • Organized and hosted regular meetups, workshops (e.g., Design Thinking), and panel discussions.

• Community Building

  • Engaged with a diverse membership base, fostering connections between UX professionals, students, and industry leaders.

• Partnership Development

  • Collaborated with local businesses, universities, and organizations to enhance the reach and impact of the community.

• Content Creation

  • Designed promotional materials, social media campaigns, and event content to ensure clear communication and engagement.

• Facilitation

  • Acted as a host and moderator for events, driving discussions and ensuring participants gained actionable insights.

Key Achievements

• Successful Launch

  • Organized BRUXM’s inaugural event, attracting a diverse group of professionals and students and laying the foundation for future meetups.

• Engaging Events

  • Hosted workshops on key topics like Design Thinking and UX trends, creating valuable learning opportunities for members.

• Growing Membership

  • Built a vibrant community by reducing barriers to entry and creating a welcoming environment for all levels of experience.

• Partnerships

  • Developed relationships with local organizations to promote UX education and career opportunities within Birmingham.

• Community Impact

  • Helped position Birmingham as a hub for UX innovation, connecting members to resources, mentorships, and career development opportunities.

Challenges

Launching BRUXM required overcoming challenges such as:

- Building awareness and trust for a new community initiative.

- Balancing event planning with my professional commitments.

- Ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for diverse audiences.

By leveraging strategic communication, thoughtful event planning, and community feedback, I successfully addressed these challenges to create a sustainable and impactful community.

Outcomes

• BRUXM has become a recognized platform for UX professionals in Birmingham to connect and grow.

• Regular attendance and positive feedback at events reflect the value of the community.

• Partnerships with local organizations and universities have strengthened the UX ecosystem in the city.

Reflection and Next Steps

Building BRUXM has reinforced my belief in the power of community-driven initiatives to foster professional growth and innovation. Moving forward, I aim to expand BRUXM’s reach, diversify event formats, and introduce more mentorship opportunities to further support members.