The following roundtables are available:

User-centred Design: Should humans reign supreme?
Moderator: Irene Pereyra
After three decades dedicated to “user-centred design,” we’re shifting our focus to prioritize society and the planet in our design practices. In this roundtable, we’ll delve into the ethical implications of our design decisions and explore how they affect our future in the long term. We aim to underline the importance of balancing innovation with responsibility, advocating for designs that contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Let’s explore together how this shift in perspective can redefine the impact of design on the future.

The business of design: Aligning design practices with business mindsets
Moderator: Elana Rudick RGD
It can often be challenging for designers to balance our creative visions with successful business outcomes. Whether it be for our clients, who would like to understand the ROI behind every project, or for ourselves, focusing on setting up our own businesses to be financially viable, there is a constant struggle between left and right brain. Let’s chat about how we can combine the best of both worlds.

Me, myself and I: Succeeding as a solo practitioner
Moderator: Paul Wilcken RGD
There is no blueprint to working for yourself. Let’s discuss the successes we’ve accomplished and failures we’ve endured, so we can all learn from each other and grow our businesses.

Design for social good: Creating a better world
Moderator: Roman Lifshitz RGD
Our world is fraught with challenges, but design can play a considerable part in tackling them. Ultimately, design is about communication. So, how do we design experiences that help users understand, learn and derive meaning from the world around them? Let’s share ideas for how designers can be the best members of society and ensure that we wield our skills for the betterment of all.

Inclusive Design Research
Moderator: Milena Radzikowska PhD, RGD
In today’s data-driven world, understanding all users is paramount to design effectiveness. Gathering valuable insights from target audiences refines products or services, enhance experiences and allows for more informed decisions. Join us as we explore essential considerations for building and managing meaningful design research, discuss the complexities of decolonizing research practices and the importance of inclusive participation in design research.

Future-proofing your design career: Skills for the next decade
Moderator: Dominic Prevost
With the meteoric rise of AI and the democratization of so many once exclusive design tools, adaptability has emerged as a critical trait for designers. Join this discussion as we discuss the role of mastering the design software and tools that are changing every day and the skills that are shaping the careers of graphic designers. Join us to gain insights on adapting to the dynamic design industry to ensure your career remains future-proof.

Data-driven design: Leveraging analytics for design effectiveness
While data-driven design helps to create user-centric solutions, designers must balance it with the importance of creativity and intuition in the design process. How do we use data with creating design that lacks originality and innovation? Join us as we discuss ways to use data while still trusting our instincts and expertise.

Tell a stronger story: Strategies for effective communication and presentations
In this discussion, we will explore communication and presentation techniques designed to captivate your audience’s attention. You’ll discover how to refine your storytelling skills and effectively integrate data, anecdotes, and visuals to convey your message with greater impact. We’ll also share valuable insights and best practices to help you become a more persuasive and engaging communicator.

Design education: Nurturing an abundance of wonder
The notion of what a designer truly is is evolving. What would have traditionally been a whole complement of craftspeople is now distilled into a single occupation: the designer. Frequently, job descriptions include requirements as far-ranging as print design, UI, UX, animation, web design and development, AI prompt generation, content creation, social media expertise, personal branding, and more. This begs the question: How does the next generation, looking earnestly at their first job, hope to develop all those skills before entering the work world? To answer this, educational institutions are forging intrinsic links with industry professionals to ensure they teach the right skills for the here and now. The evolution of design education highlights the growing need for adaptability, technological savvy, and even business acumen. We haven’t yet nailed how best to do this, but as each generation begins its journey, the design industry continues to mold itself into a new image to cater for the ever-increasing demands of design and its place in the work world.

Student-focused: Group Projects: Stepping stones to a successful design career
It can often be challenging for designers to balance our creative visions with successful business outcomes. Whether it be for our clients, who would like to understand the ROI behind every project, or for ourselves, focusing on setting up our own businesses to be financially viable, there is a constant struggle between left and right brain. Let’s chat about how we can combine the best of both worlds.