David Dylan Thomas is one of our speakers at UX London 2023. Ahead of his talk — ‘What if people weren’t the product? Building a web that loves humanity’ — we had a chat with David.
Here’s what we asked, and what he told us:
How would you describe a ‘person-oriented’ society in one sentence?
It’s one that prioritizes people over money, leaving money on the table if it means treating people with dignity and compassion.
Taking traditional thing-orientated engagement objectives away, what would your dream person-oriented project objectives or goals be?
Financial objectives would be replaced by human objectives like health, well-being, safety, and thriving — especially for those traditionally harmed by design.
Could you name three values needed to build a better world and a better web?
Reciprocity (giving back what you take), Compassion (believing that people have inherent value regardless of their ability to make you rich), and Introspection (the ability to identify and live by your own values)
What organisations do you see as leading the way for inclusive design practices?
Design Justice Network is doing a great job of laying out frameworks and values we can share, Tech Workers Union is highlighting the work of collective action that is growing in our community, and HmntyCntrd is convening some of the great minds on the topic.
And finally, what are you currently listening to, reading or watching?
I’m reading Braiding Sweetgrass which is just blowing my mind in terms of getting me to rethink notions of ownership and interdependence.
You can see David’s talk at UX London 2023, on 22–23 June, at Tobacco Dock, London.
