Data, Design and Democracy: Civic Engagement in the Digital Age

Data, Design and Democracy: Civic Engagement in the Digital Age

Exploring participatory approaches to data literacy, civil liberties, and community advocacy

Friday, 28 Nov 2025, 12 – 2.30pm

QUT Kelvin Grove, E Block, Level 5, Room 557 (map and getting there)

How can data and design empower communities to engage more effectively in democratic processes? This event brings together international and local leaders in civic media, data literacy, civil liberties, and community advocacy to discuss emerging approaches to participatory data practices and civic engagement. The discussion explores how communities and civil society can use data to inform, organise, and advocate for more equitable urban futures.

This event is hosted by the QUT DMRC Creating Better Digital Futures program with kind support from the QUT Design Lab.

Program

12pm for 12.30pm start: light lunch on arrival

12.30pm Guest talk by Stephanie Hankey, Co-founder, Tactical Technology Collective, Berlin, Germany

How can data and design empower communities to engage more effectively in democratic processes?

1.30pm Panel discussion

• Stephanie Hankey, Co-founder, Tactical Tech, Berlin, Germany

• Elizabeth Handley, President, Brisbane Residents United

• Angus Murray, Junior Vice President, Queensland Council for Civil Liberties

• Assoc. Prof. Jen Seevinck, School of Design, QUT

• MC: Prof. Marcus Foth, School of Design and DMRC, QUT

2.30pm Event close

Questions? dmrc@qut.edu.au

QUT acknowledges the Turrbal and Yugara, as the First Nations owners of the lands where QUT now stands. We pay respect to their Elders, lores, customs and creation spirits. We recognise that these lands have always been places of teaching, research and learning.

TEQSA PRV12079 | CRICOS 00213J