Design Leadership 2024 – Sydney

April, 2024

A photograph of DO Design Leadership attendee playing back their thoughts to the room

A photograph of DO Design Leadership attendees networking

A photograph of DO Design Leadership attendees discussing design

A design leader speaking and gesturing during a roundtable discussion at the DO Design Leadership event in Melbourne, 2024. She appears engaged and expressive, contributing to the collaborative atmosphere of the gathering.

A man wearing glasses and a black shirt attentively listening during the Design Leadership event, with other attendees visible in the background

A group of people sitting at a table during a conference, with a blonde woman in a denim jacket smiling in the centre

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

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.

A woman with blonde hair wearing a striped shirt, smiling and sitting in a crowd at Design Leadership

Themes we explored

The new design leader

Amidst a dynamic environment, we explored the current state of design leadership. We looked at the shifting nature of our roles and the expanding scopes that defined the forefront of the design discipline.

Navigating applied AI

We moved beyond theory to unpack the practical applications of AI in design. We covered success stories, ethical considerations, and outcomes that helped guide our community toward responsible and meaningful integration.

Design’s bright future

Looking ahead, we explored the next frontiers for design. We embraced the challenges with curiosity and foresight, shaping a path that resonated with our evolving industry and helped answer the big question: what comes next?

Presenters and Table hosts

Sarah Stokes

Design Leader

Erietta Sapounakis

Head of UX, Stan

Rachel Zhang

Lead Experience Specialist

Vinita Israni

User Experience Manager, Qantas

Meaghan Waters

Head of Design, MYOB

Homaxi Irani

Strategic Design and User Research Leader (Consultant and Mentor)

Sam Hancock

Founder and Director, Celestial

Frankie Balfour

UX Practice Lead, WooliesX

Larissa Azevedo

APAC Director of Design and Research, SEEK

Event format

An intimate group of established design leaders came together to discuss and explore three key themes impacting and shaping the world of design teams. It was an event not to be missed.

Lunch networking

A delicious and sustainable lunch was served on arrival, followed by networking before the session officially kicked off.

Presenter Angela Bliss speaking at the podium during Design Leadership 2025 in Melbourne, with a laptop and microphone in front of her.

Presentations

Attendees heard in-depth presentations from several of Australia’s design leaders, followed by Q&A sessions covering highly relevant topics for design leaders.

A photograph of attendees at DO Design Leadership

Roundtables

Several facilitated and focused roundtables followed each presentation, giving participants the chance to dive deeper into the content and learn from other design leaders.

Wrap-up drinks

To close the day, we shared drinks and canapés, wrapping up the event with more connection and conversation.

Location and accessibility

DO Design Leadership Sydney was hosted in the bright and centrally located Meers Hall at The Art Gallery of NSW. These rooms featured floor-to-ceiling windows with views out to the huge alfresco terrace and gallery.