Design Matters 2026 | Conference on Digital Design

LINE-UP

Julie
Fjeldsbø

Sopra Steria

Courtney
Marchese

Independent

Robin
Cannon

Knapsack

Sydney Nguyen
& Brittany Roberts

Slow Tech Studio

Gabriel
Patrocinio

Winning

Andreas
Refsgaard

Self-employed

Tomoko
Yates

Freelance (formerly at Airbnb)

Mira Krogh
& Trine Erga

Blank | Lyse Tele

Alfredo
Aponte

Neko Health

Cassie
McDaniel

Medium

Luis
Mendo

MundoMendo

Chris
Palmieri

AQ

Batsirai Madzonga
& Shazmin Majid

Fycely

Sophia
Omarji

Miro & 'The Sound Mind' podcast

Mutia (Tia)
Ferhana

Sacks of Spice

Miikka J. Lehtonen
& Tomohiro Loeer

UTokyo College of Design

Fergus
Inns

Host of DM26

Leecy Li

Host of DM26

THEMES

Slow Speed

Speed is easy. Slowing down is a skill. In a world optimized for instant output, AI-driven acceleration, and endless iteration, choosing to pause becomes a radical act. Not passive. Not nostalgic. But intentional.

Driven Decisions

Information is abundant. Meaning is not. In a world saturated with data, signals, and infinite directions, the real challenge is no longer finding answers. It’s knowing which ones matter.

Connecting Beyond Screens

We are not interfaces. We are human. In a world increasingly mediated by screens, systems, and digital layers, it’s easy to forget what we are made of. Soft matter. Emotion. Presence.

Designer’s Evolution

In a time where tools evolve faster than titles, and where capabilities are constantly redefined, many designers are left questioning their place. Their relevance. Their future.