Creating Utopia: A Design Based Research Study on Activist Musicians in the U.K.

For my bachelor thesis, I had the opportunity to work with LIE NING-a queer, Black, and non-binary musician from Germany whose artistry is deeply shaped by growing up in Berlin’s vibrant, multicultural scene. Surrounded by a mix of languages, visuals, and melodies from a young age, LIE NING developed a passion for dance, fashion, and especially music, using their voice as a powerful means of expression when words alone weren’t enough.

My research focused on how to build international recognition for LIE NING, with a special emphasis on connecting with Gen-Z QTIPOC (Queer, Trans, and Intersex People of Colour) audiences in the UK. I used a design-based research approach, combining both desk and field research to dive into audience behaviors and preferences.

One of the key findings was that authentic “fan service” and community-building are essential for engaging new audiences. The target group-Gen-Z QTIPOC listeners-prefers to connect in LGBTQ+ spaces and values artists who are vocal about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Based on these insights, I proposed the creation of a documentary series featuring LIE NING in collaboration with UK-based musicians and activists, highlighting both their artistry and social impact.

My thesis aimed to spotlight the importance of queer spaces and show how independent artists from marginalized backgrounds can drive social change. It also sought to add to the conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion in the creative industries-a topic with little existing research on the musical behaviors of QTIPOC communities.

I’m proud to share that this project received a perfect score of 100%. One of my assessors even remarked that the topic had the potential to be developed into a PhD-level study in the future.