Events by The Design Society

The Design Society returns to the heart of Scotland’s creative capital for a three-day intensive conference hosted at the iconic Glasgow School of Art. "The Design Society: Innovating Glasgow 2026" is a premier gathering of the world's leading design researchers, practitioners, and industrial engineers. This event serves as a critical junction where theoretical academic research meets practical industrial application, fostering a unique environment for radical collaboration. Glasgow, with its deep-rooted history in shipbuilding and heavy engineering, provides the perfect backdrop for a discussion on the future of systemic design. As the global landscape shifts toward sustainable manufacturing and circular economies, the role of the design engineer has never been more pivotal. This conference delves into the methodologies that allow us to build resilient infrastructure, smarter products, and more intuitive human-machine interfaces. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the "Glasgow Framework," a localized approach to global engineering challenges that emphasizes community impact alongside technical excellence. The program is meticulously curated to cover the full spectrum of the design lifecycle. From the fuzzy front-end of conceptualization to the rigorous demands of lifecycle analysis and end-of-life recycling, the sessions provide actionable insights. We will explore how AI-driven generative design is reshaping the way industrial engineers approach complex geometries, and how ethical design principles can be baked into the very algorithms that drive our future cities. Keynote speakers include pioneers from the aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy sectors, each sharing how the Design Society’s core principles have helped them navigate the volatility of modern supply chains. Beyond the podiums, the event features "Living Labs"—interactive sessions where participants can engage with the latest prototyping technology and VR design tools. Networking is at the core of the experience, with evening receptions held in Glasgow’s historic Merchant City, offering a chance to forge partnerships that will define the next decade of industrial innovation. This isn't just a series of lectures; it is a collaborative workshop aimed at solving the most pressing technical challenges of our time. Whether you are looking to refine your research or find a engineering solution for your enterprise, the Design Society in Glasgow is where the future is drafted.

The Design Society is proud to announce the "DS Seminar: AI and Generative Design Systems," an academic and professional deep dive into the most transformative technology of our era. As Artificial Intelligence moves from a novelty to a core component of the design workflow, understanding its limitations and potential is paramount. This seminar provides a rigorous framework for evaluating AI tools in the context of complex engineering systems. The seminar is structured around three core pillars: Algorithm Transparency, Collaborative Co-creation, and Scalable Implementation. We begin with a technical walkthrough of generative algorithms, explaining how machine learning models can explore thousands of design iterations in a fraction of the time a human designer could. However, the focus remains firmly on the "Augmented Designer"—the idea that AI is a tool to enhance human creativity, not replace it. Experts from The Design Society’s "Design Methods" group will present recent case studies where AI-driven generative design was used to optimize aerospace components for weight and strength. These real-world examples provide a bridge between theoretical math and tangible outcomes. The mid-session "Tech Demo" allows participants to interact with the latest generative software, providing a sandbox environment to test the theories discussed earlier in the day. A significant portion of the afternoon is dedicated to a "Roundtable on Design Ethics." As AI begins to make design decisions, who holds the liability for failure? How do we ensure diversity in the data sets that train these models? These critical questions will be debated by a panel of ethicists, engineers, and legal experts. This seminar is designed for those who want to be at the forefront of the digital transformation in design, providing the knowledge and the network to lead AI initiatives within their own organizations. It is an unmissable event for forward-thinking professionals in the heart of Glasgow's innovation district.

"The Future of Design Engineering: Glasgow Networking" is a high-profile evening event hosted by The Design Society to foster connections between the next generation of engineers and established industry titans. Held at the iconic Glasgow Science Centre, the event sits at the intersection of inspiration and professional growth. This is not a standard business meeting; it is a celebration of the ingenuity that defines the Scottish and international design community. The evening starts with a "Lightning Talk" series, where five industry disruptors have exactly five minutes each to present a radical idea that could transform the field of engineering design. Topics range from the use of bio-luminescent materials in urban planning to the implementation of blockchain for supply chain transparency in manufacturing. These talks are designed to spark conversation and set the stage for the networking sessions that follow. Following the presentations, the floor opens for curated networking. The Design Society uses a unique "Matching System" where attendees are introduced to others based on complementary skill sets and research interests, ensuring that every conversation has the potential to turn into a future collaboration. This approach removes the awkwardness of traditional networking and maximizes the value for all participants. As the night progresses, attendees can explore the exhibits of the Science Centre, which serve as conversation starters for discussing the evolution of technology. The event also features a "Recruitment Corner," where top engineering firms from across the UK are present to meet with high-level talent. Whether you are looking for your next career move, a research partner, or simply want to stay abreast of the latest trends in design engineering, this networking event is the place to be. The night concludes with a toast to the future of the Design Society, overlooking the stunning Glasgow skyline.

The Design Society presents an intensive, one-day immersive experience titled "Human-Centred Design Workshop: The Glasgow Hub." This event is meticulously curated to address the growing need for empathy-driven design in an increasingly digital world. As technology becomes more pervasive, the risk of alienating the end-user grows. This workshop serves as a corrective measure, bringing the focus back to the human element of the design process. Set in the historic and elegant surroundings of The Corinthian Club, the atmosphere is designed to inspire creativity and open dialogue. The day begins with a masterclass in User Experience (UX) psychology, exploring the cognitive biases that influence how people interact with physical and digital products. Facilitators from The Design Society’s "Human Behavior" Special Interest Group will lead participants through a series of ethnographic mapping exercises, teaching them how to observe and interpret user needs that often go unstated. The core of the workshop is dedicated to "Rapid Prototyping for Empathy." Here, participants will be challenged to build low-fidelity models of everyday objects, reimagined for users with varying physical abilities. This hands-on approach demystifies the design process and highlights the importance of inclusivity. By the end of the session, attendees will have mastered techniques for iterative testing and feedback loops that can be applied to any industry—from medical device manufacturing to software development. Networking is a key component of the event, with a structured "Speed Collaboration" session during lunch, allowing attendees to connect with peers who face similar design hurdles. The workshop concludes with a presentation of the prototypes developed during the day, followed by a critique session that emphasizes constructive growth rather than mere evaluation. This event is a unique opportunity to refine your design craft in one of the UK’s most vibrant cultural cities.

The Design Society is proud to host the upcoming "DS Glasgow Symposium: Design for Sustainability," a premier gathering focused on the intersection of engineering design and environmental stewardship. As the global community faces unprecedented climate challenges, the role of the designer has shifted from mere creator to a vital guardian of resources. This event aims to explore how systematic design methodologies can be leveraged to create a circular economy, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance the lifecycle of industrial products. The symposium will kick off with a series of keynote addresses from leading researchers within The Design Society, focusing on the "State of the Art" in sustainable design theory. Participants will delve into the complexities of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and how these metrics can be integrated into the earliest stages of the CAD/CAM process. Unlike traditional conferences, this symposium emphasizes the "Glasgow Approach"—a pragmatic, industry-focused lens that seeks to bridge the gap between academic theory and shop-floor reality. Mid-day sessions will feature "Design Sprints" where attendees collaborate on solving real-world sustainability bottlenecks provided by local Scottish engineering firms. These workshops are designed to foster a high-energy environment of radical innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with biodegradable materials and modular assembly. By focusing on the "Design for X" (DfX) framework, specifically Design for Environment (DfE), the event provides a roadmap for practitioners to implement green strategies immediately upon returning to their organizations. The afternoon will conclude with a panel discussion on the ethics of AI in design, questioning how automated generative design might impact resource consumption. As a hub for engineering excellence, Glasgow provides the perfect backdrop for this discourse, blending its rich industrial heritage with a future-forward vision. Attendees will leave not just with theoretical knowledge, but with a toolkit of practical strategies to lead the transition toward a net-zero future within their respective sectors. This is an essential gathering for anyone committed to the evolution of the design profession.