About The Outlook

Trudi Boatwright wearing a vibrant blue blazer, seated and smiling warmly during a Design Outlook event. She is holding a bowl in her hands, appearing relaxed and engaged in the surroundings. The background features wooden textures and casual seating, enhancing the informal and welcoming atmosphere

Three individuals posing together at a Design Outlook event, radiating camaraderie. The person on the left is smiling brightly, wearing a tan coat and holding a clear cup. In the center, a bearded individual wearing a black beanie, a black shirt with a gold emblem, and a purple lanyard holds a red jacket. On the right, Chi Ryan, with blue and black hair, blue glasses, and tattoos, leans in with a warm smile. The setting has a casual indoor atmosphere with soft lighting.

Berlin Liew presenting at a Design Outlook event, captured from an elevated angle. She is wearing a stylish light yellow blazer and shorts with white sneakers, holding a tablet in one hand while gesturing confidently with the other. The stage features a purple sofa, decorative side tables, and atmospheric smoke effects, with wooden floors and a modern, dynamic setup enhancing the scene.

Two individuals at a Design Outlook event interacting with colorful materials at a display table. The person on the left is wearing red sunglasses, a black graphic t-shirt, and holding a green object, while the person on the right, dressed in an orange jacket, smiles while holding a yellow object. The vibrant background features abstract shapes and a modern, light-filled setting.

The Outlook is a conference and events organisation based in Melbourne, Australia.

We produce immersive, curated experiences that bring Australian creatives, innovators, and leaders together to discuss, connect, and learn.

We’re optimistic about the future and can’t wait for what’s next.

A photography of several DO23 attendees taking photos

Our principles and promise

We place significant emphasis on creating content that is immersive and deeply engaging for our audience, that is refreshingly optimistic. It provides solutions to problems and never admires them.

A silhouette of a person standing against a bright red background, with multiple arms extended in different positions behind them, creating a dramatic, surreal effect.

Broad

We broaden horizons: we focus on broad design discussions across disciplines and take a wide perspective.

A close-up of delicate, wispy plant stems and leaves with intricate, feathery green foliage against a dark background. The plant has a soft, organic structure, and small blossoms are faintly illuminated with hints of red light, creating a subtle, ethereal glow in certain areas

Diverse

We embrace the whole spectrum: we are diverse across gender, race, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, skills, experience, and equity.

A hand holding a green vintage telephone receiver with a curly cord, extended against a backdrop of a blue sky with soft clouds. The receiver dangles from the hand, creating a whimsical, surreal effect in the open outdoor setting.

Different

We’re forging a new path: we push the boundaries of what it means to exist as a design conference and always opt for the stranger of two choices.

Manifesto

Oh, the world is moving fast.
But the future isn’t a destination—it’s the outcome of our decisions.

The steps we take today define the path we tread tomorrow.
What truly matters?
Will we pursue growth for its own sake,
or will we create a world that puts humanity and planet at its heart?

We hold an optimistic outlook for the future
and embrace our role in shaping it.

We envision a tomorrow fuelled by creativity and innovation,
where technology and the humanities unite.
Where connection and collaboration thrive.

Through dialogue, learning, and connection,
we bring people together to imagine what’s next.

Because the future is ours to create,
and with wonder, we’re always looking forward.

A vintage star chart with a dark background depicting numerous small stars of varying brightness scattered across the image. The stars form a pattern similar to a star field in a night sky. The text “Plate XIV” is at the top, indicating it’s part of a series of illustrations

Leadership team

Elaine Tan

Design Manager – Design Outlook

Sharbani Dhar

Director, Design Ops – Australia Post

John Lazzara

Head of Digital Experience Design – Telstra

Nikhil Bora

Experience Designer – Design at ANZ

Industry curators

Our Industry Curators play a vital role in creating the incredible experiences that we deliver.

This includes the festival, conference, workshops, awards, and other streams we deliver.

They work collaboratively with other Industry Curators, the Advisory Board, the Community panel, and volunteers to deliver impactful and successful events that are measured by their excellence.