Design Outlook 2025

July 3 — Sofitel Melbourne

DO24 attendees immersed in a session, their expressions reflecting curiosity and engagement as they listen intently in the dimly lit event space.

Themes

Pushing the boundaries of design: From AI ethics to design systems, we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of our craft.

Creative agility: keeping the spark in a fast-moving world

How do we stay responsive to change without sacrificing craft or creativity? This theme focuses on actionable strategies to balance speed, iteration, and impactful design.

Lead by design: making better decisions, faster

What does effective leadership look like in the here and now? This theme explores actionable insights for guiding teams, influencing stakeholders, and driving clarity in the chaos of rapid decision-making.

Experience amplified: beyond usability, into resonance

How can we create experiences that do more than solve problems? This theme examines practical methods for crafting designs that connect emotionally, build loyalty, and deliver long-term value.

Ethics in action: designing responsible AI today

What decisions can we make right now to ensure AI-driven experiences are equitable, transparent, and human-first? This theme focuses on practical, immediate steps for integrating ethical principles into AI design.

Scaling brilliance: harnessing design systems without losing creativity

How can design systems empower innovation instead of stifling it? This theme explores advanced approaches to leverage systems while pushing creative boundaries and avoiding ‘solved problem’ complacency.