Human-centered design has come up short. We are more skilled than ever at creating desirable products, but those same products often exacerbate the world’s most pressing issues, from loss of privacy and the spread of misinformation to rising inequality and environmental degradation. As we approach ever more unpredictable and decentralized technological frontiers, something must give. The question is, will it be our short-term methods and business models – or our long-term human values?
Design is facing an unprecedented opportunity to evolve as a practice, learn from past mistakes and envision where the future of our profession will go. How do we get there? You will leave inspired and ready to face what’s next with the mindset, skills and lessons learned to enter the next era of technology – with purpose.