From Grassroots AI Governance to Design Fiction: The Highlights of DesignMeets 2024

We tackled crucial topics shaping the design landscape — from the ethical considerations of AI to the power of graphic culture, these discussions offered valuable insights for designers and the broader community. Here's a quick recap of the key highlights:

Sustainable Design: Designing for Tomorrow, Today 

November 13, 2024

This virtual event emphasized that sustainability is now a core design principle, not an option. Moving beyond human-centered design to consider all forms of life is crucial. Incremental actions and a focus on aesthetics can drive significant change. Speakers highlighted practical steps, like using non-human personas to inform UX and rethinking material choices in industrial design. 

Transforming Women's Health: Conversations for Change 

October 16, 2024

Held at OCAD University, this event addressed the underfunding of women's health research and how design can bridge the gender gap in healthcare. The importance of integrating lived experiences and a multidisciplinary approach was stressed. Panelists shared examples of user-centred design in heart health, mental health during pregnancy, and the need for safe and inclusive spaces for marginalized groups.

Why Graphic Culture Matters: Design Beyond the Surface 

April 24, 2024

Rick Poynor and Ian Chalmers discussed Poynor's book, emphasizing that graphic design is a powerful cultural force beyond mere commerce. Designers were encouraged to adopt a critical lens and prioritize deep reading. The conversation touched on resisting digital dependence and recognizing the "soft power" inherent in design choices. Poynor defined "graphic culture" and advocated for a more profound cultural inquiry within the field.

The Intersection of Science Fiction & Design 

May 22, 2024

Julian Bleecker of Near Future Laboratory introduced "Design Fiction," using science fiction to explore potential futures and inform innovation. The event highlighted the value of imagination alongside data and presented the ASIC framework (Assess, Synthesize, Imagine, Create) to structure this process. Creating tangible prototypes ("artefacts") from the near future helps make potential realities relatable.

When AI Governance Goes Grassroots 

March 13, 2024

This event shifted the focus of AI governance from boardrooms to community-level discussions. Understanding AI's "hidden value chain" is essential for effective governance. Speakers urged a questioning of the "move fast" mentality and emphasized the need to address how AI can reinforce existing biases. The concept of "AI countergovernance"—community-led efforts to ensure inclusivity and justice in AI development—was introduced.

These DesignMeets events in 2024 provided valuable platforms for connection, collaboration, and critical thinking within the design community, addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time.

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