Curated expansion: This year feels like a time to dream with intent, defining our goals and a clear path toward them. We’ll be executing (and celebrating!) several key expansions at IIDA this year: Design Your World, our flagship educational program which brings design to traditionally under-represented teens, is branching out to a fourth city this summer. With the help of generous sponsors, we’ll be working with design-curious teens in Dallas this year, in addition to programs in Chicago, St. Louis, and Miami. We are expanding our presence at NeoCon and Fulton Market Design Days in June, and also strengthening our collaborations in Europe. Our membership is also expanding, another measure of IIDA’s well-planned forward momentum.
Teaching, and learning: IIDA’s focus on education allows our marketing team to get to know our members in a unique way, and this year our signature Collective Design webinar series will bring a slate of “how to” topics designed to provoke new thoughts and inspire action. Our content team is working to weave deep relevance through every episode, with a particular focus on what our audience needs and wants to know. Our interactive, on-site programs are also growing, with several dynamic offerings tailored to specific topics throughout the year. Working to bring amazing, industry-wide expertise to our audiences, and listening to feedback from members, allows us to learn while teaching — the best of both worlds.
Embracing the tactile and low tech: A big benefit of working in the design industry? Exposure to amazing design and design ideas. This year, designers are looking at things that are ever more tactile and human, combining tech advances with a low-tech sensibility. I’m inspired to pull some of that into our work, too. Although we employ a wide range of tech tools, including messaging, productivity trackers, and lots of metrics, we have started a “screens down” policy during our face-to-face meetings, in an effort to increase attention, understanding, and creativity. As a leader who also happens to have ADHD, I’m looking forward to greater connection and focus that can result from leaning toward the analog and looking to increase sensory experiences (If you’re trying this too, let me know — I’m curious to hear about the tactics others are using).
As 2025 gets rolling, there’s a lot to do, and a lot to look forward to. I hope your year is off to a great start, and that your list of coming attractions is robust and joyful. Here’s to a great year.
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