DT|UX Summit 2023
September 23, 2023
SP successfully launched Singapore's first Design Thinking and User Experience (DT|UX) Learning Journey at the 14th Annual Design Thinking | User Experience Summit 2023 (DT| UX'23) on 22 September 2023. The summit's theme was "Moving Towards Humanity-Centred Innovation (HCI) Strategies to Design for Sustainability and Drive Business Growth" and explored how industry leaders are working towards better sustainability and business growth by using the framework of HCI.
The DT|UX Learning Journey comprises five touchpoints: Envision, Empathise, Create, Evaluate, and Deliver. It provides unique opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in interactive and physical elements that showcase how design thinking and user experience can contribute to their transformation and success.
A fireside chat with Don Norman, the founding father of user experience design, was among the summit's standout moments. Drawing from his extensive knowledge in the field, Don Norman explored actionable steps to expand user-centric design principles towards ecological mindfulness and sustainability, paving the way for socially beneficial outcomes while ensuring economic viability.
The event also saw the addition of Symbiosis International (Deemed University) joining the DT|UX Regional Consortium. This complements existing members such as Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines), Bina Nusantara University (BINUS University, Indonesia), and King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (Thailand). The DT|UX Regional Consortium aims to promote cross-border exchange, build design thinking capabilities to accelerate innovations in the region and beyond, and facilitate the enrichment of knowledge for students and staff through in-country and outbound programmes. This was followed by an exhibition showcasing the projects conducted since the launch of DT|UX Regional Consortium in 2022.
SP signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with SDC, CSC, and Erectrus Company Limited to join forces for a future of HCI and sustainability in design thinking. These partnerships will offer workforce upskilling through training on design thinking and HCI. With a focus on sustainability, this collaboration aims for positive environmental and social impacts within various industries.
Furthermore, SP's User Experience Centre will collaborate with CSC to design and develop customised learning interventions, provide invaluable consultancy interventions, and organise knowledge-sharing opportunities that promote HCI to Singapore's public agencies. SP's UXC and Singapore Polytechnic International (SPI) will also work with Erectrus Company Limited to promote research and training content in metaverse virtual-reality space knowledge and related technologies.
Overall, the DT|UX Summit 2023 showcased how design thinking and user experience can contribute to business transformation and success while promoting sustainability through HCI. The event was also an excellent platform for SP to establish valuable partnerships with industry leaders, further promoting the institution's commitment to innovation and sustainability. We would like to thank our colleagues from the School of Architecture & the Built Environment, Department of Communications, Department of Estates & Development, and Library & FabLab, for their invaluable support. We would also like to thank colleagues who dedicated their time and effort to participate in the event.