Learn with the Design School Team at Leeds Digital Festival 2026

Leeds Digital Festival returns for 2026. The popular two-week, open-platform event is a celebration of digital culture in all its forms and NEC Digital Studio are delighted to be involved as sponsors.  

Running from 21 September to 2 October, the festival’s packed programme features over 200 free tech events for anyone looking to learn something new, meet likeminded people or discover new ideas.  

Creative Research Methods for Deeper Insights 

Our free interactive workshop is part of the programme, where you’ll get hands-on experience with a range of creative user research methods. You’ll take on a fun and engaging challenge with our Design School team, designed to get you thinking differently about how you approach user research. 

Workshop details 

Date: Wednesday 30 September 

Time: 12pm – 2pm or 4pm – 6pm 

(Please note there are two sessions, but you only need to attend one) 

Venue: Novotel Leeds, 4 Whitehall Quay LS1 4HR, Leeds 

Ticket Price: Free

What you’ll learn and do 

• Explore a range of creative user research methods and understand when to use them 

• Get hands-on experience applying creative techniques in a safe and supportive environment 

• Learn how creative approaches can improve participation and uncover richer insights 

• Discover how to adapt methods for online, in-person, individual and group research 

• Build confidence using creative techniques in your own projects 

• Learn how to advocate for creative user research methods within your organisation 

Book your place at your chosen session below and discover creative ways to uncover the insights traditional research methods can miss: 

Book tickets for workshop Session 1 (12 – 2pm) 

Book tickets for workshop Session 2 (4pm – 6pm) 

About NEC Digital Studio and our Design School 

At NEC Digital Studio, we’re experts in life-centred design, data and technology, supporting public, private and social purpose organisations to harness the power of digital. Through our Design School, we help organisations build user-centred design capability and create the conditions for it to grow. Find out more about our Design School and how you can learn with us.