Signals: ID Student and Alumni Conference

At the Institute of Design (ID) at Illinois Tech, we look at the world in new ways to create the change we hope to see in it.Since our founding by Bauhaus émigré László Moholy-Nagy in 1937, we’ve continually turned design into a powerful tool anyone can use to transform the systems that shape our lives—from cities, education, and finance to food, healthcare, and technology.We’re the only US design school devoted completely to graduate students, and the first to offer a PhD. Uniting science and rigor with creativity and rapid iteration, we’re recognized around the globe as pioneers in human-centered design, systems design, and other methods that apply design to the real world.It’s through these unique approaches that students, communities, and corporations learn to observe the systems they’re surrounded by—and envision the new worlds they can build from them.Here, learners and leaders discover what design makes possible. It enables us to adapt with the speed, scale, and complexity of life. To anticipate change and the impact of our actions. And, most importantly, to imagine—then create—brighter futures for us all.Learn more about ID atid.iit.edu.

Institute of Design (ID)

Open only to ID alumni and students. Explore the signals that are shaping the future of design.

Institute of Design (ID) at Illinois Tech

<h3>Welcome to SIGNALS 2025!</h3> You can tune in starting 9:00 AM CDT using the following YouTube link: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/Hz2x1NyISmM" title="https://www.youtube.com/live/Hz2x1NyISmM" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/live/Hz2x1NyISmM</a> A first-of-its-kind student-led initiative, this conference aims to bring together and build a stronger foundation for the ID community to share knowledge, experiences and conversations.As strategists, innovators, and designers, we often ask ourselves (and each other) “What comes next?”, but perhaps the better question should be “How do we interpret the signals of tomorrow’s world to design for what comes next?”. ID alumni are at the forefront of change in positions that afford us a bird’s eye view of the world, and they will share and interpret the signals they’re seeing in their work with ID students.SIGNALS is a dynamic conference that brings together ID alumni and students to explore emerging trends and signals shaping the future of design. In an era of information overload, SIGNALS helps filter out the noise to identify and make sense of the meaningful signals buried in the data.At this event, we'll hear from speakers working on the fringes of their industries about which signals they've parsed. What do they indicate about the future direction of their industry and the future of strategic design within it?Through a keynote, panel discussion, flash talks, and networking, participants will:<ul><li>Discuss Your Evolving Field discover how emerging technologies, societal challenges, and innovative approaches are reshaping design practice for you and others.</li><li>Build Your Community connect with a diverse and multigenerational network of design practitioners working at the intersection of design with business, research, technology, social innovation, and other emerging fields.</li><li>Reinvigorate Yourself gain clarity and purpose by engaging in discussions about the future of strategic design.</li></ul> <h3>Attendance Options</h3>In-Person AttendanceJoin us at the Institute of Design for the full SIGNALS experience. In-person attendees will have the opportunity to:<ul><li>Network face-to-face with fellow alumni and students</li><li>Participate in interactive sessions and discussions</li><li>Reconnect with the campus</li></ul>Virtual AttendanceCan't make it to Chicago? Join us virtually! Virtual attendees will have access to a livestream of the keynote presentation and panel discussions - https://youtube.com/live/Hz2x1NyISmM?feature=shareJoin us as we bring together our alumni community from across the globe!This is your chance to connect with fellow ID alumni and students, share diverse perspectives, and learn from fellow industry leaders who are navigating uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Together, we'll create an inspiring and dynamic environment where meaningful connections flourish and innovative ideas take shape.Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking conversation about where design is headed and how we can prepare for its evolving future.🗓️ Mark your calendar for this unforgettable experience at SIGNALS 2025—we look forward to seeing you there!

Day 1

We will be providing light hors d’oeuvres

Check-in

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Professor Roger Martin is a writer, strategy advisor and in 2017 was named the #1 management thinker in world. He is also former Dean of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and Director of Monitor Company.

Keynote Speaker - Design: The Best Defense is a Good Offense

Break & Networking

Students and Alumni will share the signals through Topic Talks and Flash Talks 

Talk Sessions: Part One

Lunch

Talk Sessions: Part Two

Four ID alums in leadership positions share what signals they see in their respective domains and how they interpret what they think the signals mean for where the industry is moving for the future of strategic design.

Panel Discussion: Design in Action

Closing Remarks

Networking 

Join us to celebrate Patrick's legacy at ID and the announcement of the Patrick Whitney Dean Endowed Chair (supported by Godrej).

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Signals: ID Student and Alumni Conference

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