Amanda Seville
Biography
I am a LUDeC doctoral researcher at Manchester Metropolitan University. My research explores the gendered aspects of digital exclusion in relation to women experiencing homelessness, with a particular focus on social and digital harms and how digital exclusion can reinforce social exclusion. The primary objective of the research is to highlight the importance of getting online and learning digital literacy to reduce harm amongst homeless women. This has been addressed by delivering digital skills sessions for participants in collaboration with Manchester Women’s Aid and Manchester Digital Collective, in which the outcomes of these sessions have informed the design of a signposting app for women experiencing homelessness. Both creative and traditional qualitative methods have been used throughout the research, including semi-structured interviews and focus groups. This thesis hopes to draw attention to new digital methods of data collection and engagement with homeless participants along with the importance of digital inclusion.
Academic and Professional Qualifications
PhD Leverhulme Unit for the Design of Cities of the Future (LUDeC), Manchester Metropolitan University
Thesis: ‘Navigating the (Digital) City: An Exploration of Women’s Homelessness, Digital Inclusion and Design for Social Justice’
MA Applied Criminology (Distinction), Manchester Metropolitan University
Dissertation: ‘Hidden Victims of the Criminal Justice System: How Perceived Support for Families of Prisoners’ is Limited by Shame and Stigma’ (2021)
BA Sociology (First Class Honours, 1:1), Manchester Metropolitan University
Dissertation: ‘HMP Forest Bank’s Resettlement Pathway: How can the Prison’s Resettlement Pathway Benefit Residents and the Community?’ (2019)
Research Outputs
Presented at the ‘Liveable Cities’ conference at La Salle – Universitat Ramon Llull, July 2025
Presented and co-designed an app prototype at the Co-op Hackathon at Manchester Metropolitan University, May 2024
Presented at the ‘Liveable Cities’ conference at New York City College of Technology, June 2023
LUDeC Connections
Throughout this research, I have collaborated with external partners who have supported the delivery of digital literacy sessions to participants in a women-only service. This not only improved engagement with women experiencing homelessness but allowed the research to use a participatory action research approach which informed further sessions and the co-design of a mobile app for women. The app aims to reduce harm amongst homeless women and support marginalised communities by making information more accessible as well as being co-designed with participants for those who are at risk of digital abuse and cyber-stalking. Therefore, the co-designed digital platform will support homeless women to navigate the city, access support services, therefore reducing social and digital harms.
Contact Information