THE second in a series of industry events about user experience (UX) attracted double the number who went to the first.

More than 100 people were at UX Bournemouth to hear Conor Ward, head of UX and design at British Gas, tell how it built its usability lab and improves it.

He spoke of the cognitive science approach the company had taken for testing around new areas such as voice user interface (VUI) and some methods on the horizon for the future.

The event, at Canvas Loft Bar, was one of a series held by Bournemouth-based Experience UK.

Mr Ward said: “I chose to speak at UX Bournemouth because of the passion of its organisers and the vibrant local UX community that it attracts and represents. It was a great night that featured the best bits from a UX ‘meetup’ and an official conference, with great speakers who I very much enjoyed learning from too.“The location was a fun and relaxed venue full of like-minded friends. I highly recommend anyone to attend future events here.”

He was joined by Adrian Howard, who has more than 25 years’ experience as a UX practitioner, and Dave McRobbie, an independent programme and change manager working with digital agencies and direct clients.

Damian Rees, founder of Experience UX, said: “UX Bournemouth has been a great success. Doubling our attendee numbers in our second event was unexpected, but I think it shows there’s a strong desire for UX which has been unfulfilled in our local area.”

The next UX Bournemouth event will be on July 3.