BITS Design School, RMIT University collaborate to host Design Conference

Bringing together designers and experts from various disciplines, the conference fostered transdisciplinary discussions that focused on practical, place-based projects. This unique event aimed to apply design methodologies to community-led initiatives addressing pressing ecological and social issues.

The BITS Design School, in collaboration with RMIT University, Melbourne, hosted an innovative conference titled "Care, Value, Place". This unique event aimed to apply design methodologies to community-led initiatives addressing pressing ecological and social issues.

Transdisciplinary Conversations for Real-World Solutions 

Bringing together designers and experts from various disciplines, the conference fostered transdisciplinary discussions that focused on practical, place-based projects. John Thackara, the conference curator, emphasized the importance of centering care and value for people in sustainability efforts, noting India's potential to redefine development through a care-centric approach.

Insights from Leading Experts 

Dilip Gaur, a member of the Board of Governors at BITS Pilani, highlighted the significance of scalability and sustainability in initiatives aimed at nation-building. Nandita Abraham, Dean of BITS Design School, shared the school's vision of being a global hub for collaborative innovation in design, extending beyond traditional boundaries.

Key Themes and Practical Sessions

The conference explored critical themes such as urban ecological restoration and community-managed natural farming. Noteworthy speakers included P. Sainath, who discussed rural communities' vital roles, and Andrea Siodmok, who stressed the importance of placing people at the heart of AI and smart technologies.

Future of Ethical Design

On the second day, Sandy Speicher, former CEO of IDEO, presented insights into ethical design, focusing on co-creation and responsibility. Other speakers, including Mayur Patnala and Swati Renduchintala, shared case studies and experiences that showcased the power of design in addressing social causes.

Collaborative Action for Lasting Impact 

Working sessions aimed to foster partnerships for social change, encouraging participants to design scalable frameworks for diverse communities. The event culminated with Don Norman, a pioneer in User Experience (UX), urging attendees to recognize the complexity of social issues and the need for comprehensive solutions.

The conference served as a significant platform for dialogue and action, emphasizing the need to prioritize long-term solutions over short-term profits in addressing global challenges. As participants left with new perspectives and collaborative ideas, the event reinforced the importance of design in creating a sustainable and equitable future.

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