From the immersive worlds of Disneyland to the seamless storytelling of his films, Walt Disney was a master of user-centered design before UX was even a term. In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll explore how Walt’s design philosophy—built on empathy, iteration, and storytelling—can help developers and designers create more engaging, intuitive, and delightful digital experiences.

We’ll dive into Disney’s “weenies” (visual cues that guide users, like Cinderella Castle or Space Mountain), his obsession with accessibility (the original “curb cuts” on Main Street, U.S.A.), and his approach to user testing (constantly refining Disneyland attractions based on guest behavior). These principles apply directly to websites and applications today, helping us craft intuitive navigation, reduce friction, and design with every user in mind.

Join us as we take inspiration from the past to build a great big usable tomorrow—because, as Walt said, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible!”