Program

This session explores how speculative design and immersive storytelling can be powerful tools for shaping aspirational futures. By examining historical innovations that once seemed impossible, we’ll uncover how bold ideas become reality when paired with tangible prototypes and compelling narratives.

Reflecting the theme Steps Forward, Ram will explore how we can transform the way we communicate, swap UX jargon for language that resonates with leadership, and quantify our work’s impact in meaningful ways. By doing so, we can take decisive steps toward greater influence, stronger collaboration, and design decisions that create real impact.

Attendees will gain practical frameworks for elevating design from execution to strategy, along with real-world examples of success metrics that build credibility with stakeholders. More importantly, they'll leave with actionable steps for fostering design culture in traditional industries. For designers working in traditional industries, this session will offer concrete tools to position design as a driver of real impact.

This workshop, aligned with the Equipping New Craft theme, explores how to apply voice and tone principles in digital products, using real-world examples from Amy’s time on the IKEA content design team. Through hands-on exercises, we’ll practice workshop techniques that help define and refine voice and tone in your product.

This talk explores the broader themes of Design in Democracy and Equipping New Craft, aiming to inspire you to identify harmful patterns and advocate for safety and respect in digital spaces. Silvia will examine the troubling dimensions of digital design, highlighting how everyday devices can become instruments of control and manipulation, especially targeting the most vulnerable.

In this talk, Liz will explore why AI hallucinations occur and how designers can address the gaps between user expectations and AI capabilities. Reflecting the theme Equipping New Craft, you will hear more about the critical role of content design in shaping user experiences, and how loose, scalable design patterns empower users to effectively use AI.

This session unpacks how design can unlock scale—moving beyond isolated pilots to systemic impact. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of climate science, circular economy principles, and the critical role design plays in accelerating adoption. More importantly, they’ll leave with a clear framework for action—practical steps they can take to help their organizations transition from ambition to reality.

In this session, you’ll connect one-on-one with fellow creative minds around questions rooted in our shared themes: planet-centric design, collective imagination, bold innovation, and individual inspiration. It's an hour of intentional, design-driven dialogue - with a healthy dose of curiosity and play. Come rethink how we meet each other. No pressure, no panels - just a deck of cards and a room full of humans.

Reconstructing digital logic through ceramic tiles and modular repetition

This workshop explores how digital language can be translated into material expression. Using miniature ceramic units, participants will construct coloured patterns and typographic compositions through modular repetition — shifting from screen to surface, from pixel to tile, from digital to manual. Rather than simply recreating digital aesthetics, the workshop proposes a rethinking of language, colour, texture and pattern. Pixel by pixel. Tile by tile.

How to make a state power able to meet the citizens in eye height.

First launched in 2012 the design of GOV.UK has become the global standard for well designed government services and information. The story of that has been told many times at many conferences. In this talk the founding Director of Design at GDS who will tell new stories and reveal things you almost certainly don't know.

This talk looks at design not as a way to predict the future, but as a way to stay coherent within it. When the world becomes harder to read, the ability to simplify complexity, create direction, and build shared meaning becomes critical. Design becomes less about what we make—and more about how we make sense of where we are and where we go from here.

What does it mean to design when the next step isn’t obvious? How can design help Europe hold together what feels fragmented? And how can we think of design not just as an industry, but as part of our democratic infrastructure?

Niche will guide you through the concept of "Gamifidea" in a workshop that will help you transform traditional collaborative brainstorming into a playful experience that makes design both accessible and enjoyable for all.

In Anna’s workshop, you’re invited to move from product-focused, anthropocentric design to regenerative, eco-centric creativity. You’ll explore how to reconnect your design practice with nature’s logic, using the Inner Sustainability Game—a co-creative tool grounded in the Inner Development Goals (IDGs)—to activate your inner compass and creative intuition.

In this talk, Melanie will share how design strategy can challenge stigma and create space for new conversations around sexual wellness. You will gain deep insights into how packaging, product design, and brand storytelling come together to shape trust, pleasure, and identity — and how leading a design team in this sector requires balancing creativity, inclusivity, and commercial goals.

Drawing from such career paths and reflecting the themes of Design Rehab and Equipping New Craft, Jian will share practical insights on navigating one’s career with resilience, adaptability, and purpose, mirroring the dedication and steady progress exemplified by those who keep Singapore moving.

Reflecting the theme Steps Forward, this conversation will bridge timeless craftsmanship with today’s AI landscape. Through inspiring examples- such as an architect planting trees for future generations, a ceramicist crafting objects that reveal the human touch over time, or the artistry of Savile Row tailoring - MC will create a space for designers to explore how to craft meaningful, enduring experiences in the AI era.

Drawing from her own journey as a recovering perfectionist, Cigdem Demir will share practical strategies to break free from the perfection trap—easing the pressure, embracing imperfection, and fostering a more playful, collaborative approach to design.