“Can design change the world?”
As someone practising the craft or interested in it, have you ever asked this question?
The true power of design is not limited to aesthetics or functionality alone, it can address the most pressing challenges facing humanity. From sustainable product design that minimises environmental impact to inclusive design that promotes accessibility for all, design has the potential to reshape our societies for the better.
The UX Design Institute team hosted an enlightening discussion on the power of design in shaping our lives and the world. This thought-provoking, sixty-minute webinar featured distinguished professor and author Don Norman, interactive media scholar Brenda Laurel, design consultant Aarron Walter, and industry expert Irene Au. Together, they reflected on the role of design and explore the shift from human-centred to humanity-centred design.
In this blog, we explore the key themes from the webinar, introduce the speakers, and share what you can expect to take away when you watch the replay.
The power of design with Don Norman: a timely reminder
In the unassuming corners of our daily lives lies a silent force that governs our experiences and interactions—the power of design. From the intuitive ease of a smartphone app that lets you order food from your favourite restaurant to the frustrating complexity of a poorly designed door (commonly known as the “Norman Doors”), design shapes our world in profound ways.
Now think of the myriad products, spaces and processes, big and small that we are surrounded by. Are they helping us live our best lives? Are they mindful of the planet that we live on and the communities we live in? Or are they adding friction to our lives, contributing to economic inequality, or aggravating climate stress? All relevant and urgent questions, right?
In this webinar replay, we explore these questions with Don Norman and an expert panel, uncovering how design can transform the world for the better.orld.
The event details: a gathering of visionary minds
The webinar, titled ‘Design for a Better World’ took place in August 2023 and proved to be an insightful event. It featured a panel of leading design thinkers and practitioners who have made remarkable contributions to the field of UX. Among them was Don Norman, renowned for his influential books on the craft and psychology of design, and for coining the term ‘User Experience‘ back in 1993. His work has reshaped how designers approach problem-solving, highlighting the importance of empathy in the design process. Joining him were top leaders from the design world, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the conversation.
Meet the esteemed speakers
Don Norman: Distinguished Professor, Author, and Co-Founder of Nielsen Norman Group
Don Norman needs no introduction. He is a distinguished professor emeritus at the University of California, San Diego, where he founded the Design Lab. As a co-founder of the Nielsen Norman Group and former Vice President of Apple, his contributions to the field of UX have been revolutionary. Don Norman is the author of several influential books, including “Emotional Design,” “Design of Everyday Things,” and “Design for a Better World: Meaningful, Sustainable, Humanity-Centered.” His contributions have established the bedrock of human-centred design principles, encouraging practitioners to approach design as “an act of communication, which means having a deep understanding of the person with whom the designer is communicating.” (Norman, 1988)
Brenda Laurel: Researcher, Writer, Consultant
With a career of over four decades, Brenda Laurel is an interactive media theorist and designer. Her expertise ranges from computer games to UX research and design, and virtual reality. She is also the founder and leader of two graduate programs in media design. Brenda Laurel has authored several influential books, including “The Art of Human-Computer Interface Design,” “Utopian Entrepreneur,” “Design Research: Methods and Perspectives,” and “Computers as Theatre.” Her vast experience and contributions to the field make her a vital voice in the conversation on the future of design.
Aarron Walter: Consultant, Podcast Host
Aarron Walter brings a wealth of experience to the webinar. As the author of “Designing for Emotion,” a former VP of Content at InVision, and a co-host of the Design Better podcast, he has played a pivotal role in helping companies grow through innovative design. With over two decades of experience, Aarron Walter’s insights into design strategy and its emotional impact are valued by designers across the world.
Irene Au: Design Partner, Khosla Ventures
Irene Au is a Design Partner at Khosla Ventures, where she collaborates with early-, mid-, and late-stage startup CEOs. She has built and led User Experience and Design teams at Google, Yahoo!, and Udacity. Irene Au’s expertise in UX design and her experience with industry giants make her an invaluable speaker for the webinar.
Gareth Dunlop: Consultant, Speaker and Writer
The discussion will be hosted by Gareth Dunlop, who has spent over 25 years in the industry. Gareth founded, led, grew and sold digital agencies. He currently speaks, writes and consults on innovation and UX design leadership.
Key topics that the webinar will cover include:
Role of design in understanding socioeconomic challenges
In a world facing numerous socioeconomic challenges, the role of designers has never been more critical. This webinar explores how design can serve as a powerful lens through which to understand and address challenges such as climate change, inequality, and systemic injustice. Drawing from real-world examples and industry experience, the panel highlights the potential of UX to drive meaningful, scalable change.
Humanity-centred vs human-centred design
While human-centred design has been the primary focus of UX professionals, the conversation will introduce the concept of humanity-centred design as Don Norman explores it in his new book, Design for a Better World. This shift expands the scope of design to consider the broader impact on society. The panellists discuss how to create solutions that not just cater to individual needs but also contribute to the greater good of humanity.
Harnessing the power of design for a better future
Designers can shape a better future for all of us. From innovative products that enhance daily life to services that promote inclusivity and accessibility, the webinar offers practical insights into how you can harness the power of design to create a brighter future for everyone.
The hour-long conversation promises to be thought-provoking and inspiring, leaving attendees with fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways. Catch the replay here and listen to the experts.
Here’s what you can expect:
Engaging discussions: The panellists engage in insightful discussions, sharing their experiences, challenges, and success stories from the field.
Q&A session: While the live Q&A has ended, the replay includes thoughtful answers to audience questions — with plenty of valuable takeaways.
Real-World examples: The webinar features real-world examples of design initiatives that have positively helped organisations.
Conclusion
The UX Design Institute is proud to present Design for a Better World, featuring renowned speakers Don Norman, Brenda Laurel, Aarron Walter, and Irene Au. This hour-long conversation sheds light on the evolving role of UX in creating a more compassionate and connected world. From redefining design principles to embracing a humanity-centred approach, the webinar encourages all of us to design with deeper purpose.
Watch the replay now and be part of the movement toward meaningful design.
