Design for Change
Our world is rapidly changing and in need of a design-led response: from the COVID-19 pandemic, the growing challenge of climate change, healthcare systems under pressure, changing workforce patterns and the impact of technology, design research offers a critical frame and toolkit for engagement and positive change.
Join us for a week in July to discuss the power of innovative design-led research, philosophies, techniques, and methodologies in reframing and solving ‘wicked’ societal problems. From the circular economy to the future of communities, healthcare and advanced robotics in manufacturing, our ‘Design for Change: Designing the world we want’ conference celebrates the transformative power of design-led research.
Held across two locations – in Brisbane at QUT (11-12 July; QUT Kelvin Grove Campus + Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub) and in Melbourne at Monash (14-15 July), our diverse and interactive in-person program includes workshops, curated panel discussions, expert presentations, industry site visits and exhibitions, offering opportunities for learning, connecting and simply being inspired. A special focus will be celebrating design research innovation, through higher degree research and industry showcase events.
Program
Thursday 14 July
This day is devoted to Higher degrees by research and ideal for current design research candidates wanting to reconnect and build community; or those who are keen to pursue a higher degree in design.
| 10.00am | Welcome to Country |
| 10.30am | Keynote 1: Dr Jane Connory Jane is an alumnus of Monash and award winning designer and researcher at Swinburne University |
| 11.15am | Break |
| 11.30am | New design research in progress/ lightning talks. Hear from current PhD candidates: Enira Arvanda, Julian O'Shea, Carolina Rabello, Myf Doughty and Ilianna Ginnis |
| 12.30pm | Keynote 2: Dr Tegan Larin Tegan recently completed her PhD, supervised by XYX Lab Director Dr Nicole Kalms. She will discuss the methodologies that underpin her research: Behind the masquerade: massage parlours and the unregulated sex industry in Melbourne. |
| 1.15pm | Lunch |
| 1.30pm | Guided tour of MUMA exhibition: Collective Movements. Collective Movements is a project focusing on the work of historic and contemporary First Nations creative practitioners and community groups that recognises collectivity as integral to Indigenous knowledges and ways of being. |
| 2.15pm | Putting your PhD to work Where does your PhD take you in the world of work? Hear from 3 recent graduates: Dr Troy McGee (Postdoctoral researcher with Design Health Collab), Dr Alli Edwards (Senior Associate, Centre for Public Impact), and Dr Luke Valenza (Service Designer, Bunnings) |
| 3.15pm | Break |
| 3.30pm | Design for Transformative Learning: Workshop with Professor Lisa Grocott, Emerging Technologies Research Lab |
| 5.00pm | Drinks and Book Launch “Design for Transformative Learning: A Practical Approach to Memory-Making and Perspective-Shifting” by Lisa Grocott |
Friday 15 July
This day focuses on the research undertaken within the Research Labs of Monash Design, The day demonstrates the breadth of design's influence through research and the unique modes of dissemination we make possible.
| 10.00am | Acknowledgement of Country |
| 10.05am | Mobility Design Lab Hosted by Dr Robbie Napper, this session explores the future of transport, and the launch of their new interdisciplinary Transport Living Lab. |
| 10.45am | Dr Nyein Aung / The Micro X scanner project Together with Micro-X, a leader in ultra-lightweight, mobile x-ray imaging systems, Design Health Collab is creating a miniaturised stroke scanner designed to fit in standard road or airborne ambulances. |
| 11.30am | Break |
| 11.45am | XYX Lab: Gender and Data Workshop This interactive workshop led by XYX Lab Co-director Gene Bawden, builds on the ongoing research of the lab to better understand how design might mitigate gender-based (un)safety in cities. |
| 1.00pm | Lunch |
| 1.45pm | Design Health Collab: The future of Health/The Future Hospital initiative. Hosted by Professor Daphne Flynn, Director of DHCL, and in conversation with one of the labs adjuncts, Professor Diana Egerton-Warburton |
| 2.30pm | Emerging Technologies Research Lab ‘Smart Homes for Seniors’ Documentary Directed by Professor Sarah Pink this award winning documentary shares the joys, frustrations and wisdom of Australian seniors as they learned to live with digital voice assistants, smart lights and robotic vacuum cleaners during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic |
| 3.15pm | Break |
| 3.30pm | Chuan Khoo — Transformative Technology |
| 4.00pm | Dr Xavier Ho — Queer Indie Games |
| 4.30pm | Lisa Scharoun and Gene Bawden Wrap up of the week and the Launch of the Monash/QUT Design Researcher in Residence initiative |
| 5.00pm | Concluding drinks |
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