Katie Fletcher

Using my experiences over the last 16 years of engineering and personal life combined, I highlight how urban design, no matter how minor, can have an impact on the community. Using several case studies from around the world, I demonstrate how incorporation of a human-centred design approach can provide benefits at a social level, in addition to our traditional design standards. This consideration of the softer side of engineering is and will continue to be critical to our future.

Using my own experiences with chronic illness (myalgic encephalomyalitis), I discuss how we can turn a negative into a positive. By embracing my new limitations, I've found ways to maximise my efficiency and effectiveness which are applicable to everyone, healthy or not. This presentation focuses on the themes of empathy, the social model of disability and resilience with an optimistic and uplifting tone.