What does it mean to imagine the future when technology inspires as much fear as hope? In this thought-provoking talk, Dr. Alexander Reid Ross explores how digital systems, social movements, and environmental pressure shape the stories we tell about what comes next—and who gets left out. Join us for a conversation that challenges easy optimism and asks harder questions about the futures we’re building.

AI is no longer just impressive—it’s quietly reshaping power, agency, and opportunity in our everyday lives. From hiring to housing to personal decisions, algorithmic systems are influencing more than we realize. In this powerful talk, Bhavna Devani challenges designers to rethink responsibility and asks a bold question: in the age of AI, are we still designing for human sovereignty—or designing ourselves into submission?

How do people actually find information today—and who do they trust? In this talk, Sian Riebe explores the hidden paths shaping modern discovery, from private group chats to online communities and AI-powered tools. As search becomes more conversational and less visible, the session reveals how these shifts are influencing not just what we buy, but how we think, trust, and make decisions in everyday life.

Join us for a provocative workshop using Rodney Echols’ BRIGHT framework—a practical methodology for cultivating joy and preventing burnout in design work. Using his experiences and experiments, he transformed his UX expertise into wellness tools that address the unique challenges creative professionals face, offering actionable techniques that go beyond typical self-care advice.