Estonian Association of Designers participating WDO General Assembly 08.11.2023

Hosted by the WDO Promotional Member Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP), the 33rd World Design Assembly was held in Tokyo (Japan) from 27-29 October 2023. Under the theme of Design Beyond, the three-day event, which also included a Research and Education Forum and an international Design Conference, explored the evolution of design and its intersection with humanity, technology and the environment.


A Research and Education Forum attended by 355 participants on the first day examined the theme through a series of paper and poster presentations. Keynote speakers included Ayse Birsel, Co-founder, Birsel + Seck; Jian Liu, Associate Dean at Tsinghua University; and Katja Forbes, Design Leader & DEI Director at the Data Visualisation Society.

More than 600 in-person participants attended the second day to hear inspiring keynotes from Tim Ingold, Professor Emeritus at the University of Aberdeen, Ana Arriola-Kanada, Co-Managing Director of IDEO Tokyo and Marianne Mensah, Founder of the Climate Innovation Education Lab (CIEL). The day also included breakout sessions and panel discussions led by international design leaders that explored future perspectives through the lens of humanity, technology, planet and policy.

A major highlight, included a deeply moving address from 2022 World Design Medal laureate, renowned industrial designer Dr. Patricia Moore. Considered one of the founders of ‘universal design’, Ms. Moore moved the audience to a standing ovation following a detailed account of her professional journey designing with empathy.

A new board and President Elect was elected for 2023-2025 and respect and gratitude were expressed to David Kusuma, the past president.

President
Thomas Garvey, School of Industrial Design, Carleton University (Canada)

President-Elect
Pradyumna Vyas, Confederation of Indian Industry (India)