MITX DesignTech Summit

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Join us at the 2020 MITX DesignTech Summit: Designing for the Future, as design experts from leading brands and organizations dive into the ways in which they’re innovating for a post-pandemic rebound, and designing for the world of tomorrow. 

During the last several weeks, we’ve witnessed companies redesign their processes to manufacture PPE and support efforts to put products and services where they are needed most. Additionally, an emerging frontier of ideas and companies has sprung from the realization that human needs, and the lives we lead, will shift substantially in our “new normal.”  

As the dynamics of our work, communities, and everyday lives continue to change, designers in every sector are embracing ingenuity to guide people and businesses now and prepare for a changed world. How will organizations design for the adjustments in daily life that will endure for the foreseeable future? How will they ensure their companies can pivot their offerings to remain successful? Register today and join us virtually on June 17, 2-5PM! 

Registration is free for MITX, BIMA, and Greater Boston Chamber* members.

*If you are a Chamber member, please email us for the promo code to claim your free ticket.

Agenda:

2:00PM – 2:05PM

Welcome Remarks

Amy Quigley, President, MITX

2:05PM – 2:30PM

When the World is Unparked Again, Will it Know How to Unplug?

Jeffrey Schnapp, Chief Visionary Officer at Piaggio Fast Forward; Carl A. Pescosolido Professor, Harvard University; and moderator Lee Moreau, President, Other Tomorrows, and Visiting Lecturer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As Jeffrey Schnapp writes, “Pandemics are accelerators of long-term societal trends and, in this regard, COVID-19 has proven no exception.” Through necessity we have shifted our lives to staying grounded and local, while our practical and societal needs have pushed us into virtual communities. As leaders and designers it presents the opportunity to think differently about how we use and navigate our spaces now and in the future. Join us as Jeffrey discusses how “after the politics of shelter-in-place runs its course, will we remember how to truly inhabit the places in which we have sought and received shelter?”

2:35PM – 3:05PM

Why the COVID-19 Era is a Big Opportunity for Product Designers

Ethan Pierce and Emma Snyder, Co-Founders of Grocery Outpost; Martha Carl, Head of Design, Hometap

While this pandemic has created disruption for many people, companies and entire industries, it also presents an opportunity to move toward a more digitalized society, where many processes become easier, faster and safer. Join us for a discussion with leading designers on what opportunities they are observing and enthusiastically embracing.

3:10PM – 3:40PM

Interactive Session: Virtual Innovation – Design Thinking in a Remote Environment

Christine Pizzo, Boston Studio Lead, Intrepid Pursuits (part of Accenture Interactive)

Prior to the pandemic, 70% of global professionals worked remotely at least one day a week. And as the world reemerges, that percentage will shift again. What does this mean for the innovation process? How are companies channeling their teams to stay ahead? Join Christine Pizzo as she shares how you can use design thinking methodologies and exercises within remote tools and remote workshops to accelerate the innovation process. This encompasses design teams, as well as how the design thinking facilitation can benefit other areas and groups within your business – no design background for them required.

3:45PM – 4:15PM

Redefining Customer Experience Post-Pandemic

Alyssa Boehm, VP of User Experience, Forrester Research; Michael Kirkpatrick, SVP, Financial Services Practice Lead, Mad*Pow; and moderator Barry Fiske, MITX Board Member.

Life is different and our customers will be living differently for some time – they have been financially impacted by COVID-19, their daily lives have been altered and they want touchless and digital environments. Even when life has somewhat returned to normal, people will have a new hyper-awareness about the world they live in and how they want to interact and experience it.

Speakers: