2025 Theme: Emerging Technologies and Human Experience
Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and immersive interfaces are transforming human interactions with digital systems and environments. As these innovations rapidly evolve, it is crucial to prioritize user privacy, build robust trust mechanisms, and maintain human-centered design principles. By thoughtfully integrating technological advancements with ethical considerations, we can create digital experiences that are not only powerful and innovative but also respectful of individual needs and rights.
World Usability Day 2024
Designing for a Better World, 20 year celebration!
World Usability Day 2024 marked its 20th anniversary by celebrating the theme “Designing for a Better World,” by bringing together design, product, and usability communities globally on November 14, 2024. This milestone event united professionals across disciplines to explore how thoughtful design can create more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive solutions.
World Usability Day: 2024
World Usability Day across the years!
We have been organizing events on the second Thursday in November since 2005.
Over 250,000 people have been involved in events so far, around the world, bringing together different communities to create a more usable world for all of us.
Upcoming Events
November 10, 2025
WUD Sicilia
Designing from the periphery
, Sicily
Italy
November 13, 2025
World Usability Day 2025 | Emerging Technologies and Human Experience
WUD Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
United States
January 1, 2025
WUD Minnesota
WUD 2025
Minneapolis, Minnesota
United States
November 12, 2025
Emerging technologies and the human experience
WUD Rome
Roma, Lazio
Italy
November 15, 2025
World Usability Day 2025 -
After the Collapse: Systems Thinking for the Day After
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
United States
November 13, 2025
What’s Your STORY Workshop: The Secret Sauce of Strategic Influence
What’s Your STORY Workshop: The Secret Sauce of Strategic Influence
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
November 16, 2025
World Usability Day in SQU Oman
First ever in Oman!
Seeb, Muscat Governorate
Oman
September 24, 2025
CHIGreece 2025
Connect. Engage. Inspire
, Syros
Greece
November 15, 2025
World Usability Day Africa
Finale event
Lagos, Lagos
Nigeria
November 13, 2025
Emerging technologies and the human experience
WUD 2025 Lisbon
Moscavide, Lisboa
Portugal
Host City
World Usability Day 2025 | Emerging Technologies and Human Experience
WUD Minnesota
Schedule:
9:00 AM Welcome & Opening RemarksSpeaker: Coriyon Arrington Vice President, UXPA MinnesotaKick off World Usability Day with an overview of this year’s global theme and a look ahead at the conversations shaping the day.
9:15 – 9:55 AM Keynote — “The Sphere of Generative AI Influence”Speaker: Amungwa BonuGenerative AI has quickly assimilated into every aspect of our lives. This talk explores how it impacts people, relationships, and communities — and how we can use it responsibly to create meaningful, positive outcomes.
10:00 – 10:55 AM: Interactive Session — “Designing Our Future: Community Connect & Impact Jam”
Facilitated by: UXPA Minnesota Board
This collaborative session helps attendees connect, share their perspectives, and explore how emerging technologies are reshaping their work. Through small-group discussions and a live community brainstorm, participants will reflect on:
“How might we keep the human experience at the center as technology evolves?”
11:00 – 11:45 AM: “Don’t Simplify Workflows, Eliminate Them”
Speaker: Aaron Nathan
For decades, UX has focused on simplifying what users have to do. Now, with automation and intelligent systems, we can help them reimagine what they no longer need to do. Aaron shares how emerging technologies enable designers to move beyond simplification — toward experiences that eliminate friction entirely and redefine how people engage with work.
12:00 – 12:45 PM: Interactive Panel — “Usability Unplugged: Real Talk with Friends of Figma”
Hosted by: Friends of Figma Twin Cities
Panelists: Stefanie Fluin, Ryan Payne, Camila Cartagena
Join us for a candid conversation on how usability shapes real-world design. Our Friends of Figma panel will share tools, methods, and stories that drive accessible design—from edge cases to everyday collaboration. Learn how Figma supports inclusive workflows and fosters meaningful community dialogue.
1:00 – 1:45 PM: “Human by Design: Rethinking Emerging Technologies”
Speakers: Dr. Jennifer (P.) Teves & Dr. Bo Wang
As emerging technologies evolve, those shaping digital experiences face important questions about what we build and who we build for. Jen and Bo explore how inclusive, ethical design practices can lead to better outcomes for both users and creators — with practical strategies and real-world examples.
2:00 – 2:45 PM “HCD Principles for Automation: Preparing for AI”
Speaker: Simon Shamoun
As the push for AI integration accelerates, it’s critical to understand where automation excels — and where it doesn’t. Simon outlines key Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles for human–automation systems, helping designers and teams balance human judgment with automated precision.
2:50 – 3:00 PM Closing Reflections & Thank You
Speaker: Coriyon Arrington
We’ll wrap up with closing reflections and key takeaways from the day — connecting the threads of ethics, innovation, and community that run through each session. Join us as we look ahead to 2026 and continue building technologies that put people first.
Host City
World Usability Day 2025 -
After the Collapse: Systems Thinking for the Day After
Triangle UXPA is partnering with the students in FLUX at UNC-CH and the Hussman School of Journalism and Media to celebrate World Usability Day 2025 at the Curtis Media Center at UNC-Chapel Hill on November 15.
The theme of this year’s World Usability Day is Emerging Technologies and Human Experience.
This year’s interactive event will be a design challenge in which teams of designers are asked to apply systems thinking techniques to breakdowns in a significant social system: e.g., housing, healthcare, education, employment. Lunch will be provided during the event, and of course opportunities to network with fellow students and design professionals.
Registration begins for Triangle UXPA members and students on November 5. Registration for non-members begins November 8. This event will fill quickly, so register early.
Registration closes 2 days before the event (November 13th). If you register for the event but can no longer attend, please email events@triuxpa.org so we can open up your spot for someone else.
Host City
What’s Your STORY Workshop: The Secret Sauce of Strategic Influence
What’s Your STORY Workshop: The Secret Sauce of Strategic Influence
Celebrate World Usability Day with us!
Thursday November 13 from 6pm to 8pm (in-person workshop)
Location: PIVOT Design Group office (google maps, full details at bottom)
213 Sterling Road, Unit 107, Toronto, ON (free parking after 5pm)
Influence with Impact. Lead with Story.
Want to get things done more easily, inspire action, and position yourself for your next promotion? In today’s complex organizations, success depends on your ability to influence across teams, functions, and levels of leadership.
In this interactive 2-hour workshop, Executive Coach and former corporate leader Christine Farrugia will teach you the STORY Framework — a proven, practical method for influencing through storytelling. You’ll learn how to connect emotionally with your audience, tailor your message to what truly matters to them, and move people to action.
Over 100 leaders from Meta, Loblaw Digital, and top financial institutions have used this framework to elevate their influence and leadership presence.
You’ll Learn How To:
- Turn business conversations into compelling stories that drive results
- Understand what your audience cares about and tailor your message accordingly
- Advocate for yourself, your team and customers
- Build trust and buy-in across teams and senior stakeholders
- Move from expert authority to collaborative influence
- Communicate with authenticity, confidence and impact
- Map out the influence strategy and approach for your current situation
The STORY Framework:
S – Strengthen Ties: Build authentic relationships and trust
T – Take Stock: Understand your stakeholders and business context
O – Orchestrate: Craft your influence strategy for maximum impact
R – Resonate: Tell stories that connect emotionally and drive action
Y – Yes Cultivation: Sustain momentum and buy-in over time
Through real examples, interactive exercises, and practical tools, you’ll leave ready to apply STORY immediately to a real challenge from your own work.
Workshop Facilitator: Christine is an Executive Leadership Coach, Facilitator, and Award-Winning Speaker who helps leaders and their teams navigate change, amplify their influence, and communicate with confidence. She has coached executives at The Gates Foundation, Meta and Estée Lauder, empowering them to lead with greater impact at work and beyond.
A Stanford MBA with over 20 years of senior leadership experience at Wealthsimple, Loblaw Companies, and KPMG, Christine has led teams of up to 300 and managed P&Ls exceeding $1B. Having built and led customer insights teams and partnered closely with UX professionals, she understands the unique challenges of influencing across complex organizations.
Directions to PIVOT office
Pivot Design Group
213 Sterling Road, Unit 107
Main entrance is on the North side of the building. When you enter the building, turn left — our office is at the end of the long hallway. When you enter you will see the infamous Fitzroys dress rental company, turn left. At the end of the hallway you will see a Black square sign Pivot Design/q30 Design
By Car
You can find free parking around the building, once people have left for the day after 5pm. Or street parking.
Paid parking is available at 152 Sterling Road underground in the Hines Parking Garage, just south-west of the building. Hourly and daily rates apply. Indigo Park manages this facility, which is available 24/7, and accepts credit and debit payments only. If you have any questions about the parking garage you can reach Indigo Park at 416 506 1000 or toronto.info@group-indigo.com.
There is street parking sometimes available and you can find free parking around the building, once people have left for the day.
By Transit
Nearest Subway station: Pivot is a 10-minute walk from Dundas West Station and 15 minutes from Lansdowne Station.
Nearest Streetcar stop: Pivot is an 8-minute walk from the closest streetcar stop at Dundas St West and Sterling Rd. This can be reached by the 505 Dundas and 506 Carlton streetcars.
UP Express: Pivot is a 10-minute walk from Bloor Station, which is two stops on the UP Express from Toronto Pearson Airport and one stop from Union Station.
Host City
World Usability Day in SQU Oman
First ever in Oman!
Join us in celebrating World Usability Day 2025 with an interactive showcase by Information Systems students from the Human–Computer Interaction course.
This hands-on exhibition highlights how design impacts everyday experiences. Through creative and engaging demos, students will demonstrate key principles of usability and user-centered design—showing what makes technology intuitive, enjoyable, and effective.
Visitors can explore short, fun activities such as usability tests, app prototypes, interface redesigns, and interactive games—all designed to make HCI concepts come alive. The event promotes teamwork, innovation, and awareness of good design in our digital world.
Host City
World Usability Day Africa
Finale event
The Prompt is You!
The WUD Africa 2025 Grand Finale Conference is the high-profile culmination of a multi-week, impact-driven movement to accelerate African talent into the AI-powered future. This full-day event is where we solidify Africa’s position in the AI ecosystem, shifting the conversation from “Will AI take my job?” to “How can I integrate AI into my workflow to become a world-class talent?”.
Join us on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, for a day of innovation, opportunity, and celebration in Lagos.
Languages
[EN] English (English)
Host City
Emerging technologies and the human experience
WUD 2025 Lisbon
The event is organised by Xperienz – Research & Design, a Portuguese UX Consultancy with 20+ of experience, in partnership with IADE, a Portuguese design and creativity university.
Focusing on WUD 2025 theme: “Emerging technologies and the human experience”, we’re going to discuss how artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and immersive interfaces are transforming human interactions with digital systems and environments.
In the first part, a couple of experts will present their take on the subject, and in the second part there will be a discussion panel.
Languages
[PT] Portuguese (Português)
Host City
WUD-25 in CGN
WUD-25 in CGN
Inspiring speakers with different perspectives
From established design experts to emerging young talents: At WUD 2025, people from various fields share their experiences. In the final panel, they discuss future perspectives together – accompanied by live sketching. This brings together experts, industry, users, education, and authorities to promote user-friendly services and simple digital applications.
Host City
World Usability Day Australia
World Usability Day Australia
We’re lucky to have an awesome line up of award-winning designers and international keynote speakers for our annual State of the Design Nation SydDT event.
What are the themes and trends connecting design disciplines at all scales… and at a local, national, regional, and global level?
This has been a SydDT tradition since 2018 with Ben Crothers sharing his observations, insights, and reflections on the state of the design nation as one of the judges on the Australian Good Design Awards.
This year we’re extending it beyond the state of the design nation in Australia by adding reflections on the World Design Congress (WDC) held in London last month and the Seoul Design Awards – to bring not just a national but a regional and global perspective. As a bonus treat, it’s also the 20th anniversary of World Usability Day, so we’ll be reflecting on good design as it relates to emerging technologies and human experience.
Host City
Emerging Technology and Human Experience
Emerging Technology and Human Experience
Host City
World Usability Day Portugal
The event for those who live and breathe User Experience.
Two days to learn, exchange ideas, and explore success stories.
Day 1
Talks on Current Issues
Explore the latest trends, insights and innovations in the UX area. Artificial intelligence, digital accessibility, design systems, UX research, among others.
Day 2
Technical Workshops with Experts
Participate in 2 half-day workshops, in small groups and with experts in the field. Learn from the best, in practice.
Learn more at https://wudportugal.com/
Partner Communities
