DT|UX Summit 2024: Summit’s First Overseas Edition in the Philippines
August 30, 2024
On August 30, 2024, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) hosted the 15th Design Thinking | User Experience (DT|UX) Summit at Ateneo de Manila University. This year was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first time the Summit took place outside Singapore. With the theme "Sustainable Futures: Designing for Tomorrow Through Humanity-Centred Innovation," the event foicused on design thinking and user experience with a commitment to sustainability and humanity-centred methods. Don Norman, known as the father of UX, attended as the Guest of Honour, underscoring his lasting impact on design thinking and user experience.
Event Highlights
- Humanity-Centred Design+ (HCD+) Playbook Launch: This strategic guide for humanity-centric innovation was introduced to address challenges in today's “Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous" (VUCA) environment. A full-scale release is anticipated at a later date to ensure readiness for widespread adoption.
- Sharing by Ms Georgina Phua: Ms Georgina Phua, Deputy Principal (Development), discussed SP's design thinking and innovation framework, highlighting ongoing sustainability efforts and future plans. She reaffirmed SP's commitment to integrating sustainable practices across its curriculum and campus infrastructure.
- Singapore-Philippines Partnership: The event showcased collaborative efforts between these nations in design thinking, strengthening bilateral ties and fostering innovation.
- Playground @ UXC: An interactive gaming experience that helps participants learn about Humanity-Centred Design by assessing their design traits and readiness for tackling VUCA challenges. It provides insights into innovation preparedness and explores the principles of Humanity-Centred Design.
Launch of HCD+ Workshop
Before the Summit, SP's User Experience Centre launched its first Humanity-Centred Design workshop at Ateneo de Manila University. Participants gained hands-on experience in design approaches like Systems Thinking, Circularity, Holistic Wellbeing, Biomimicry, and Inclusion—all within the HCD+ framework inspired by Don Norman's “Design for a Better Tomorrow."
Recognition for SP User Experience Centre
SP's User Experience Centre (UXC) received recognition in the 2024 Don Norman Design Award (DNDA) for its excellence in Humanity-Centred Design education. As one of only eight groups globally—and the only one from Southeast Asia—to earn this accolade, it underscores SP's dedication to working with industry partners to drive human-focused innovation.
Closing Remarks
The DT|UX Summit not only highlighted SP's leadership in design thinking but also opened doors for future partnerships. The events held throughout the week in Manila set a new benchmark for innovation and excellence in design thinking.