Dr Libby Miller is a technologist and maker, who enjoys making poor-quality robots and thinking about connection, embodiment, and meaning. She's worked at the University of Bristol, the BBC, and a couple of startups and is currently thinking about what to do next.

Reflecting on her 14 years working for BBC Research and Development, Libby will talk about how non-experts can be persuaded to participate meaningfully in technical projects using shonky, physical, funny prototypes.

Until recently, Libby worked at BBC Research and Development, co-leading a small team exploring possible futures for the BBC. 

The team developed a series of techniques to solve the problem of collaboration when some people have a lot of specialist knowledge and some don't - in this case, how do you give potential future users the tools to contribute meaningfully to a technical exploration of a problem?

She will talk about the way shonky, physical, funny prototypes reduce power differentials, giving people the space to interact more authentically with them - and ultimately enable us to learn things we didn't already know, and so explore the space of possibilities more fully; and also why that's not enough to really change things.

Join us online on YouTube Live, or in the building on Friday 24th January 2025 at 1pm for the talk and to take part in the Q and A discussion afterwards. 

The Pervasive Media Studio is a partnership between the Watershed, University of the West of England and University of Bristol. The lunchtime talks are partly supported by MyWorld, a project led by the University of Bristol to support creative industries in the region. Watershed is supported by Arts Council England.

Address:
Watershed, 1 Canon's Rd, Bristol BS1 5TX

Directions:
The Lunchtime talks take place in the Pervasive Media Studio Event Space. To access the Studio, please go to the Main Watershed Box Office entrance and go upstairs to the Café Bar. Walk across the cafe bar, turn right and walk towards the double doors. Go through into the corridor and walk all the way down until you reach the Studio. A member of staff will sign you in, and check your ticket, if you have booked.

The Studio is wheelchair accessible, and the events space has a hearing loop. The last talk of every month is BSL interpreted. 

For more information on accessing the studio take a look here.

*Please note this is a hybrid event and will be live streamed so please be aware you will be in the live broadcast and recording when watching in the Studio.