Best Design Conferences 2017
February 18, 2020
Each year more and more design conferences and events are held globally. With so many amazing conferences to attend, we’ve chosen some of our favourites for 2017.
Offset Design Conference
Let’s start with Irish design conference OFFSET
which has been held in Dublin for the last 7 years and last year had over 2,000 attendees. It grows in size each year with wonderful reports coming from attendees of previous years, describing inspiring and powerful talks and experiences at the conference. This year the conference can boast about hosting the two creative legends, photographer and art director Jean-Paul Goude and film title designer Dan Perri. You may be familiar with Goude’s work from iconic music and fashion photography for Grace Jones and recently ‘breaking the internet’ with Kim Kardashian. (If you don’t, you must be living under a rock!)
Design Indaba
We are not at all surprised that Design Indaba, located in the beautiful Cape Town, has been named the best design conference in the world. The 3 day conference is jam packed with the most cutting-edge creative work coming in the forms of live performances, storytelling, aviations and music. Oh, and the feast of food and drink provided is supposed to be amazing, what more could you want? This year in particular will be extra special because Senegalese fashion designer Selly Raby Kane has been appointed creative director of the conference and will be sure to add her unique mind blowing creative spice to the conference mix!
HOW Design Live
HOW Design Live
in Chicago is a conference that really listens to its audience, welcomes feedback and gives the people what they want. This year it’s worth noting the added workshops, masterclasses, ‘bootcamps’ and ‘spark sessions’. These are intended to increase engagement of design experts with the audience on a more hands on and personal level. One thing we love about HOW Design Live in particular is that, along with being a fantastic event for designers, it also brings people together to raise money for Charity Wheels4Water whose mission is to bring clean water to Uganda. In 2015 they raised $18,000 for the charity and will try to increase that figure this year.
AIGA Design Conference
Another killer design conference is the AIGA Design Conference
which is being held in Minneapolis this year and, as always, it promises to deliver "provocative speakers, local culture, exhibitions, professional development sessions and face-to-face roundtables." One of the most exciting parts of what the conference has to offer is the Command X live design competition which allows seven up-and-coming designers to face off for the chance to break into the industry, win $1,000 in cash and a collection of prizes.
99U Conference
Seen as New York is known for being one of the most creatively charged city’s in the world it’s no wonder that it hosts an incredible design conference: the 99U conference
run by Behance. The main focus of the conference is not on idea generation but instead on the execution of ideas and bringing them to life. If you are undecided on whether to buy a ticket for this year, just picture yourself at the closing party (open to all conference goers) in the MoMA sipping on cocktails amongst the best in the industry. If that isn’t reason enough to go, we don’t know what is!
Articles
Or just taming the clutter at your front door...
In the period since COVID forced many of us back home and out of the office, remote work has become the new norm for many. The flexibility of working from home, especially for those with small children, is very compelling, but making a productive workspace is more than setting up a desk in the spare room. More people are seeking to create functional and comfortable workspaces in their homes, however, it can be difficult to strike the right balance between a professional office space and a cosy home environment. Here are some tips for designing a home workspace that meets both of these needs: Dedicate a specific area for work Designating a specific area for work is essential for separating work from leisure time. This could be a separate room or just a corner of a room. It is important to make sure that the workspace is free from distractions and clutter, as this will help you stay focused and productive. Choose the right furniture Ergonomic furniture is key to a comfortable and productive workspace. Invest in a comfortable chair, a desk that is the right height, and a good-quality mouse and keyboard. If you are prone to back pain, consider a standing desk. Add personal touches Just because your workspace should be functional, doesn’t mean it can’t be personal. Add photos, plants, and other personal items to make the space feel like your own. This will help create a sense of comfort and make you feel at home in your workspace. Good lighting Good lighting is essential for a comfortable workspace. If possible, place your desk near a window for natural light. If not, invest in a high-quality desk lamp to provide bright, even light. Keep it organised An organised workspace will help you stay productive and focused. Use desk organisers, filing cabinets, and other tools to keep your work area free from clutter. A clean and organised workspace will also help you start each day with a clear mind. Consider your work style Think about the type of work you do and how you like to work. If you prefer a minimalist workspace, opt for a simple desk and a few basic supplies. If you need space for multiple screens and other technology, make sure you have enough room to work comfortably. Take breaks It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout. Step away from your desk, go for a walk, or do some stretching exercises to clear your mind and recharge.
Considerations to keep in mind when you are looking to upgrade your heating system