Yet again, for the ninth year running (well, not counting those two we all surrendered to the lockdown), I found myself at the RGD Design Thinkers conference last week. And let’s be honest, did I truly attend if I don’t put my thoughts into words?
Every year, I eagerly anticipate these two days—a precious pocket of time when I can nestle into my introverted corner, soak in ideas, and leave inspired.
This year’s theme, ‘Into the Rabbit Hole,’ invited us to embrace the unpredictability of the creative process, to explore the twists and turns that creativity can take us through. And, as always, I carried my trusted notebook, scribbling down thoughts, critiques, and the occasional rant.
Here’s a page straight from those notes:
On the Evolution of Content
After nine conferences under my belt, I’ve noticed that post-COVID, the quality of content oscillates between brilliant and… well, let’s call it surface-level. There’s a distinct shift toward a younger audience, which I can understand—times change, and design trends with it. But I often find myself yearning for something deeper, something with a forward-thinking perspective on our industry. Slick, flashy portfolio presentations don’t quite do it for me.
I’ve also observed that the demographic is evolving: each year, there seem to be more students and fewer seasoned professionals. Which got me thinking—could the conference benefit from splitting the experience? Perhaps dedicating one day to students and early-career designers, and the next to more mature practitioners seeking a deeper dive into complex topics. It’s a balance that might better serve everyone involved.
On Style (or the Lack Thereof)
On a funnier note, here’s something else that’s been on my mind, a generational shift, no doubt, but one that caught my attention more so this time. When did it become a statement to be intentionally… underdressed?
Sure, tech legends like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg pioneered the whole casual aesthetic, but lately, it seems to have taken a turn. There’s a difference between effortless chic and looking like you’ve made an effort to be dishevelled. Mismatched, creased clothes paired with socks and bathroom slippers – it’s a fashion statement, I suppose, but not one I quite understand.
Designers are known to push boundaries, to be quirky and unconventional. But at what point did that get confused with being outright sloppy? Give me a Michael Beirut in a crisp suit and tie any day—now that’s a kind of quirky elegance that stands out in a sea of deliberately rumpled outfits.
After sharing my initial thoughts, here’s more about the conference and the speakers who truly stood out for me.
Day One Highlights
Mr. Bingo kicked things off with his unique brand of humor. I’ve made a mental note to check out his shop next time I’m in London. His Hate Mail Project was entertaining, but what resonated most was his point about independence being a superpower—it’s a sentiment that lingered with me.
Annie Atkins followed, bringing a refreshing perspective. She emphasized the value of collecting tactile pieces, understanding textures, and appreciating the scale and proportions of design. Her advice to draw inspiration from the everyday world around us was a reminder to stay curious and open.
What stood out with both keynote speakers was their focus on analogue design and the art of making with one’s hands. It’s clear to me that the creative world—at least on the non-commercial side—is coming full circle. There’s a resurgence of appreciation for craftsmanship, for the tactile, the tangible. The message was clear: don’t just chase commissioned client work; pursue the projects that ignite your own passion. It’s an interesting shift, one that seems to be driven by the evolving technology landscape, pushing us back toward a more hands-on, authentic form of creativity.
Leland Maschmeyer was another standout for me. He encouraged us to rethink the value we place on our work and spoke of libraries as “learning journeys”—sanctuaries for inspiration and reflection.
At this point, I scribbled in my notebook: “So far, unlike last year, the vibe feels less about dramatic flair and shock value for the sake of it. This year is more grounded—focused on calm, reading, immersion, and introspection. If last year was rap, this year is classical music.”
There was a recurring emphasis on learning from history to navigate the future—a shift from constantly trying to ‘reinvent’ to a concept of ‘refounding’. It made me wonder, even just a quarter into the conference: what sparked this change in tone, this shift in thinking?
Day Two Highlights
The second day opened with Robert Wong from Google as the keynote speaker. He shared some compelling insights into the impact of AI, emphasizing how designers can actively shape its development. AI is still in its formative stage, and as creatives, we have a unique opportunity to influence its trajectory. He stressed that technology, no matter how advanced, can never be larger than life—or larger than humanity itself.
One point that resonated deeply with me, especially as a design educator, was his assertion that “AI will not replace human creativity; instead, it will enable more people to tap into their creative potential.” This is a hopeful perspective—acknowledging the fears around AI while also believing in the power of human ingenuity. Wong’s optimism was encapsulated beautifully when he said, “There is fear, and hence there is hope. I am a tech optimist because I believe in people.” I couldn’t agree more.
Next up was James Martin of Made by James fame, someone I’ve followed on social media for a while. His talk was truly inspirational, bringing in personal stories and perspectives that resonated with the audience.
Following him, Johnny Cupcakes delivered a fun and entertaining session. While not necessarily thought-provoking, he emphasized the importance of storytelling—how our unique experiences shape our brand DNA. He echoed a recurring theme from other speakers: the power of pursuing one’s own creative path rather than being solely focused on client-driven work.
After two days at Design Thinkers, I walked away with mixed feelings but also some key takeaways. While not every talk resonated with me, there were a few that struck a chord. This year’s theme, ‘Into the Rabbit Hole,’ over all, felt more grounded and introspective compared to past years’ high-energy spectacles.
The focus on analogue craftsmanship and authenticity was refreshing. The message was clear: in an age dominated by technology, human creativity remains irreplaceable. AI isn’t here to take over but to broaden creative possibilities, allowing more people to express themselves.
There was a call to be intentional—to craft our own journeys, to focus on meaningful work, and to find fulfilment beyond the constraints of client briefs.
While the conference had its highs and lows, these were the insights that I found most inspiring. And for me, that’s a journey worth taking.
In essence, Design Thinkers continues to be a space I treasure, a place to reconnect with creativity and the design community. But it’s also evolving in ways that leave me both curious and contemplative.
