DO Design Research

Design Research

June 26 • In person, Sofitel Melbourne

A day of insights and innovation — a focused, one-day event at Melbourne CBD.

A group of people sitting at a table during a conference, with a blonde woman in a denim jacket smiling in the centre A person holding a smartphone, viewing a message on the screen. In the background, a laptop is open on a desk with scattered stationery, creating a workspace scene A woman sitting at a cafe table, speaking with a waiter who is taking her order

Evolving design research

Designed for researchers, design and product professionals, this event offers fresh perspectives on adapting design research for today’s business challenges.

Modern team strategies

Topics range from agile methods to strategies for demonstrating research value within cross-functional teams.

Connect, learn, and innovate

DO Design Research is a space to connect, learn, and explore how design research can evolve to meet the demands of modern product development.

Event partners

Plus

All-day catering
Auslan interpreters
Closed captions
Networking
Sustainable conference
Freebies
Afterparty
Roundtables
Present at Design Research

The call for presentations is open

Shaping the future of design research

A group of professionals engaged in a lively discussion around a round table during a leadership event. A woman in glasses and a black blazer is speaking energetically, while others listen attentively. The table is covered with notes, notebooks, and water bottles, with a collaborative atmosphere reflected in the background of other groups in conversation

Can design research rise to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced, business-driven world? Join us to explore how design research can evolve to deliver measurable impact and drive innovation across teams and organisations.

This one-day event brings together researchers, strategists, and innovators to reimagine the role of design research in modern business success.

Key topics include:

  • Aligning research with organisational goals and business strategy.
  • Adapting methodologies for speed and agility.
  • Fostering collaboration across cross-functional teams.
  • And much more!

Let’s unlock the potential of design research to shape the future of business and innovation.

Event format

There’s a lot to love about this format: it maximises impact through a mix of dynamic presentations and deep, focused conversation to provoke new ideas and leave lasting impressions.

Abi Ayer peaking into a microphone. He is wearing a dark coat and a patterned scarf, with a purple backdrop behind him

Inspiring presentations

Dive into transformative presentations that challenge the status quo and ignite powerful discussions. Our presentation sessions are designed to not just explore ideas but to catalyse actionable solutions.

A lively moment in a café-like setting with four women chatting around a wooden table near large windows. One stands smiling in a green t-shirt, while another seated in a striped top and blazer laughs warmly. The setting feels modern and friendly, with an urban view outside.

Engaged networking

Build meaningful connections over sustainable meals, drinks, and immersive experiences. Our networking sessions foster collaboration and leave you inspired.

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Facilitated roundtables

Engage in deep, focused discussions with peers, exploring diverse perspectives and generating actionable ideas. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to co-create solutions and challenge the status quo.

Guests networking during drinks after an event, engaging in lively conversations in a stylish indoor venue. The space features warm wooden accents, high-top tables with stools, and a softly lit backdrop, creating a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere to conclude the event.

Social wrap-up

Unwind with drinks, canapes, and conversations that extend the day’s discussions in a more relaxed setting, offering space for continued inspiration and lasting connections.

Themes

DO Design Research will dive into the most pressing themes shaping the field today, viewed through our core perspectives: design leadership, design impact, design at scale, and envisioning design’s future.

Reimagining the role of design research in business

How is design research evolving to contribute to business strategy, product development, and measurable outcomes? Exploring expectations of researchers in a business-driven environment.

Adapting research practices for speed and agility

What methodologies and approaches are needed to align research with today’s fast-paced product cycles? This theme encourages actionable insights on how research can be leaner, faster, and more responsive to change​.

Embedding research within cross-functional teams

How can research effectively integrate with product, engineering, and business teams to drive holistic innovation? Exploring the operational and cultural shifts needed to embed research within the organisational​.

Measuring and demonstrating research impact

What metrics, tools, and strategies can researchers use to prove their value to the business? This theme focuses on the practical steps for translating insights into business outcomes and return on investment​.

Developing new skills for the modern researcher

What capabilities beyond design are essential for researchers today? This theme invites discussions on expanding the skill set of researchers to include business acumen, data, strategic thinking, and leadership​.

Restructuring research teams post-reset

How should research teams rebuild and reorganise after the 2023 reset? This theme looks at actionable strategies for creating resilient, leaner, and more focused research teams that are better aligned with business​.

Tickets

We pride ourselves on the value for money we offer for our tickets at each of our events, and Accessibility and Inclusion is no exception.

A helping hand

$1+

Tickets at a price that you name, no questions asked. Limited availability.

Earlybird

$395

On sale until 28 March or sold out.

General Admission

$495

On sale until sold out - make sure you check our partners page for discounts and offers.

For all ticketing information, view our ticketing terms and conditions.

Program

We’ve created a program that balances just the right amount of presentation time with just the right amount of discussion time. We’ll cover highly-relevant topics with your industry peers.