The theme and Sid Lee‘s design process to develop the identity for the DesignThinkers 2023 Conference speaks to the evolution of design with a playful sense of optimistic uncertainty.

“Our theme for the 2023 Conference is ‘Question Tomorrow’ because the state of design is in rapid flux and there are many unanswered questions about its future,” explains Michael Mavian, Creative Director at Sid Lee. “Our goal with the visual identity was to take a pluralistic point of view that referenced a variety of different design processes, tools, technologies and styles. We challenged ourselves to utilize an eclectic set of open-source materials, speaking to accessibility and the ever-increasing democratization of design tools at our disposal.”

“Using a combination of open-source assets pushed us to really rethink our usual approach to creative projects and the ways we can bring our ideas to life. As we develop different applications, it’s interesting to see the many new questions and conversations our team continues to have through the process,” shares Michael.

With the theme ‘Question Tomorrow’, our first DesignThinkers of 2023 takes place at the Vancouver Playhouse on May 30–31.

Whether it’s the democratization of tools, constantly-evolving technologies, A.I.-generated content or the uncompromising vision of a new world by younger generations — the world of design is in rapid flux. This leaves us all with endless questions about the future. Progress is only ever threatening those afraid to ask the right questions and embrace more than one answer. Join us for DesignThinkers 2023 in Vancouver to Question Tomorrow, and prepare for an ever-changing future.

The RGD’s 24th annual DesignThinkers Conference will be an in-person event, with an option to attend virtually through the event platform Pheedloop where you can watch live-streamed sessions and connect with other online attendees.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Cey Adams, co-founder of Def Jam Records‘ in-house design dept
• Alex Center, Founder at CENTER
• Theresa Fitzgerald, VP Brand Creative at Sesame Workshop
• Tom Froese, Illustrator, Teacher, Speaker & Writer
• Tom Hingston, Creative Director & Founder, Hingston Studio
• Debbie Millman, Host of Design Matters
• Thas Naseemudeen, Chief Executive Officer at Omelet
• Ola Volo, Mural Artist & Illustrator

In addition to informative and inspiring presentations, the conference also offers opportunities to connect and share knowledge with fellow delegates at themed roundtable discussions, network at the delegate party and in our marketplace. And new this year, a series of optional, hands-on, interactive workshops to re-invigorate your creativity and learn new skills.

Thinking about getting RGD Certified? Successfully complete RGD’s Certification Process by April 28, 2023 to receive a free pass to DesignThinkers Vancouver.

Sponsors:
Forge Media + Design, Web Development Partner
Sid Lee, Brand & Design Partner
Spicers, Paper Partner

To find out about becoming a DesignThinkers Sponsor, email [email protected].

1. It’s one of the top travel destinations in the world.

A study from Euromonitor International identified the top 100 cities around the world based on tourist numbers in 2021. Vancouver? It ranked 58 on the list, and was one of the top 10 most visited places in North America.

2. It feels like an urban oasis.

Vancouver truly offers the best of both worlds. With lots of museums, shops, restaurants and neighbourhoods, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. And, because of its position on the West Coast, you can do all of it while enjoying the breeze from the Pacific Ocean and the sight of the Rocky Mountains poking above the cityscape.

3. It’s home to some of Canada’s best food.

Love to eat? Vancouver is the spot for you! Hot spots include Kissa Tanto, acclaimed chef David Hawksworth’s Hawksworth, L’Abattoir, Boulevard, Cioppino’s, Nightingale and Botanist.

4. It’s a show-off in the spring.

U.S News says that spring is the ideal time to visit Vancouver. Because it’s off-season, you’ll find cheaper rates on accommodations and activities, and popular attractions won’t be inundated with tourists. The weather is gorgeous and mild during the spring in Vancouver, so if you’re coming from a cooler climate, you can say hi to nicer temperatures a bit earlier than you would back home.

We’d love to see you in Vancouver! Join us at DesignThinkers Vancouver this May 31 and June 1.

Image from Condé Nast Traveller / Tourism Vancouver

Ready for some in-person networking fun? Join the DesignThinkers Vancouver Scavenger Hunt via the ChaseGoose app.

You’ll have the opportunity to team up with other creatives and search for design elements throughout the second day of the event. Using your smartphone camera, you’ll capture photos of the items as you find them and upload them to the game board to collect prizes. Prizes include RGD branded merchandise, the Accessibility Guide and tickets to DesignThinkers in the fall.

Attendees will be able to sign up for the Scavenger Hunt when registering for DesignThinkers (to be added soon); already registered attendees will be sent an email with details on how to sign up. There is a small fee to participate.

Roundtables are your chance to connect with other creatives in a small group setting. Bring your questions, offer advice and participate in conversations that will leave you feeling engaged and energized.

Roundtables are being hosted on May 31 and June 1 from 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m at the Vancouver Community College, just across the street from the conference venue.

See the confirmed topics for:

• the morning of May 31,
• the afternoon of May 31,
• the morning of June 1 and
• the afternoon of June 1.

Pre-register for up to four roundtables (one per session). Pre-registration information will be emailed to you after you register for DesignThinkers.

RGD Certification involves 4 steps:

1. Apply to determine eligibility
2. Take an open book, multiple-choice 80-minute Online Test
3. Present 6 pieces of your work virtually to 3 senior practitioners over 30 minutes
4. Receive your results and join the RGD

Have questions about the process? Visit our FAQ page, attend our free, virtual Info Session on April 7, or email Heidi, CCO & Director of Membership, at [email protected].

The RGD invites design educators and researchers from across the country to attend at our first Design Educators Conference to take place in Vancouver on June 2.

Organized in collaboration with Emily Carr University of Art + Design, the 2022 conference theme is learning, re-learning, unlearning.

“As design practice evolves, design education responds by unlearning and relearning facets of design to expand our knowledge and communicate highest value and skills to future designers. Our goal for this symposium is to bring together design educators who are willing to share their insights, innovative practices and experiences with our rich and diverse community of educators and researchers,” offers Bonne Zabolotney RGD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Design and Dynamic Media, Emily Carr University.

The conference will address new innovations in teaching and research practices, reflect on and question what we know about our own limitations as educators and researchers and offer critique about what it means to rethink our discipline as we navigate uncharted and vulnerable spaces.