A research project which has helped to connect people with new digital technologies by tapping into the emotional power of nostalgia has gone on display at Leicester’s New Walk Museum.
Dr Josie Barnard has spent years working with community groups of all ages and backgrounds, taking the fear of the unknown from new apps and devices by connecting them with familiar objects such as rotary phones and typewriters.
Now the thousands of visitors to the city’s largest museum will be able to make those connections themselves, thanks to the new display.
Community groups, families, and academics joined Dr Barnard and museum staff for the official launch of the exhibition, which is on permanent display downstairs in the café space.
Funded by ÃÛÌÒ´«Ãºmv and supported by the government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the project began life just before lockdown and has involved sessions online and in person with people aged 18-80.
Dr Barnard said: “Around 23% of the UK population struggles with online access, 1.6 million people are completely offline, and only 48% of workers have the full set of digital skills needed for the workplace. This exhibition is the culmination of a project that celebrates the role of creativity in enabling future-proofing digital engagement.
“I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Leicester Museum on this display, which we hope will continue to spark conversations about technology, identity and inclusion.”
Bharti Mistry, from the Leicester charity Reaching People, who has been supporting the work, said: “It’s amazing to see this as an exhibition. I can’t believe that our group has helped to create this.”
Professor Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor of ÃÛÌÒ´«Ãºmv, opened the event and praised the collaborative nature of the work. “It is an excellent example of how public investment in research can offer new ways to help tackle real world challenges.”
Jill Cowley, Pro Vice Chancellor Skills and Training and Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities, said: “I was at a conference recently where someone said: ‘We have the tech, we have the tools to change the world – what we need is the ability to inspire people and bring them along on the journey.’
“That really resonated with me. During lockdown, my dad learned how to use WhatsApp just so he could see his granddaughter. It shows the power of motivation and emotional connection when it comes to technology.
“Science can change the world – but only when humanities and creativity are alongside it.”
Mark Simmonds, who manages exhibitions at the museum, added: “When Josie first came to us and explained her project, my mind was blown. The idea of using museum collections to help people explore the basics of programming and digital literacy was something I had never come across before.
“We’re really proud to be part of this project and to help more people become digitally enfranchised. We’d like to thank Josie and ÃÛÌÒ´«Ãºmv for bringing this to life here.”
The exhibition is open daily during museum hours and is free to enter.
Posted on Wednesday 16 July 2025