About this Event
DESIGN | EVOLVING CRAFT
Celebrate the Evolution of the Craft of Design
Calling all creatives! Join us for an all-day conference that dives into the ever-evolving craft of design, where tradition meets innovation and creativity knows no bounds.
This event celebrates the foundations of design—the essential principles that have shaped our industry—while embracing the exciting evolution that comes with a rapidly changing world. Discover how building on the basics enables us to adapt, innovate, and thrive in the face of new challenges and emerging trends.
Explore the value of design as a strategic tool that drives innovation, enhances customer experiences, and elevates brand identity. For companies, mastering design means staying competitive and relevant. For individuals, it's about pushing boundaries, solving complex problems, and bringing visionary ideas to life.
Our topics for the day include:
- Evolution of Craft Through Disruptors
- Evolving Design Criteria
- Nurturing Flow for a More Productive Team
- The Power of Story
- Mastering the Art of Good Critique
- Evolution of Vision
This isn't just a conference—it’s an interactive, inspiring experience designed to challenge you to rethink what’s possible and connect you with fellow innovators. Whether you’re a seasoned designer, a creative enthusiast, or an emerging talent, this day will leave you buzzing with fresh ideas, deeper insights, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Don’t miss this chance to unlock the transformative power of design for your career and your company!
Together, we’ll unlock new possibilities and shape the future of design!
Session Overview
Evolution of Craft Through Disruptors | Cory Herbst & Jasmine Childress
Hear the story behind The Art of Disruption, as told by John O’Neil, Principal at Conduit Studios. Prepare to expand your idea of what constitutes “good design”. Dive into a project that unites Black and Disabled artists in a shared mission to challenge norms, ignite change, and celebrate the intersectionality of our experiences.
Evolving Design Criteria | Matt Begeman & Sean Simmons
The design process is arguably more complex now than ever before. Is the ever-growing list of design criteria overwhelming?
Join us for a panel discussion as we unpack how industry experts consider, prioritize, and balance the seemingly endless list of design criteria to release world-class deliverables. We will lean into hot topics such as sustainability, social impact, accessibility, inclusion, and authenticity to hone in on how local experts approach and navigate the design process.
Nurturing Flow for a More Productive Team | Eliott Copier & Erin Kozminske
Do you remember a time you were so engaged in a task that you completely lost track of time? You are likely thinking about a time you found flow.
In today’s workforce, leaders need to balance productivity with job satisfaction. Creating the optimal conditions for employees to find flow in the workplace more often can make teams more effective and cut their learning time in half!
The Power of Story | Josh Stanton & Paige Niven,
Storytelling is a powerful design tool that helps communicate ideas, engage stakeholders, and inspire action. Impactful storytelling is key to sharing your ideas, your process, and your designs with your team, your clients, and your organization.
Together, we’ll explore best practices on how to tell an engaging story about a product, company, and your personal brand.
Mastering the Art of Good Critique in an Evolving World | Jeff Brown & Marissa Chupp
Rediscover the fundamentals of effective critique as we explore the challenges and opportunities posed by technology. Through an interactive exercise, you’ll learn to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing design landscape by future-proofing your feedback skills.
MIX | Evolution of a Vision
Join us for a captivating and celebratory discussion featuring the key creative minds who laid the foundation for our pioneering MIX Design Initiative. This session will delve into the journey from our ambitious beginnings to our current engaging status as a thriving community hub for innovation and design excellence.
Agenda:
- 8 :30 a.m. | Check-in
- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | MIX Design Day Program and Workshops
- 4 to 6 p.m. | MIX Networking and Reception
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Catalyst Center, 180 East Water Street, Kalamazoo, United States
USD 53.64 to USD 126.23
