Cultural Institutions as a "Third Place" in Katowice – UX Research
This project was a collaboration with Denys Demchenko at the Interaction Design Studio, University of Fine Arts in Katowice. We wanted to see how cultural spots in the city can be more than just places to see art – they can also be relaxed hangouts where people connect, much like a "third place" between home and work.
What We Did:
Looked into 11 cultural centers run by the Katowice Town Hall.
Organized all our findings with Airtable to keep things clear and organized.
Focused mainly on the Gallery of Modern Art (BWA) since it’s a hit on social media and has tons of positive reviews.
How We Researched:
Set up an interactive board during events like the “Playpen” exhibition opening and the Night of the Museums at BWA to get live feedback from visitors.
Interviewed the gallery staff to learn more about who visits and why they come.
What We Found:
More young people are visiting BWA now compared to ten years ago, thanks in part to smart social media strategies.
BWA’s children’s workshops are a big draw, with around 2,500 kids participating every year.
Although older visitors still show up, the majority of the crowd is young – students and organized groups – making BWA a lively community spot.
Bottom Line
Our research shows that cultural institutions like BWA aren’t just about art – they’re key spaces where the community can relax, interact, and build meaningful connections.
Interested in more details?
Check out the full article on Medium for a deeper dive into our research and findings.
