UIC Design Hosts the IDSA Midwest Design Conference

On April 6-7, 2018, the UIC School of Design is honored to host the Industrial Designers Society of America’s (IDSA) Annual Midwest Design Conference “Design > Product”, an event that will focus on evolving forms of design practice.

Speakers representing shifting points of view will share stories that demonstrate how expanding notions of practice include design making and thinking as a methods for inquiry, social change, expression, and entrepreneurialism. Topics cover healthcare, service design, and design for social impact. Presentations and forums are designed to spark dialog on how the role of the designer is meant to foster positive change.

Keynote speaker and UIC ID alum, Michael Seum, VP of Global Design at Grohe, Dusseldorf, Germany, will kick off the two-day event with “Design to make a difference, not merely differentiate,” a presentation on the future of water and Grohe’s role as both a business leader and cultural stakeholder in coming scenarios.

Attendees—professionals, educators, and students from across the midwest region—will participate in presentations, workshops, and discussions that explore contextual inquiry through technology; the ins and outs of crowdsourcing concepts via Kickstarter; empathy and compassion as a driver of culture; and a holistic approach to design with brand in mind. Visit the Design>Product website for a full list of speakers and topics.