Theme: Design Thinking for Good
Date: 18–19 September 2025
Location: Izmir, Türkiye
Hosted by Yaşar University | In collaboration with Global Design Thinking Alliance (GDTA)
Concept & Vision
Design Thinking for Good is more than a theme—it’s a call to action.
In a world facing increasing uncertainty, complexity, and inequality, design must rise as a force not only for innovation but for compassion, responsibility, and impact. D.Conference 2025 invites the global Design Thinking community to reflect on and co-create how design can serve humanity, address systemic challenges, and contribute to a more just and sustainable world.
With the guiding slogan “Where Design Meets Humanity,” this year’s conference explores the intersection of humanity-centered design, ethics, and collaboration. From education and technology to civic innovation and social entrepreneurship, we will uncover how Design Thinking can drive meaningful change when used with intention, inclusivity, and care.
Objectives
- To inspire and equip educators, practitioners, and changemakers with tools and perspectives rooted in purpose-driven design.
- To showcase global case studies where Design Thinking has been successfully applied for social, environmental, and economic good.
- To foster cross-sector and intercultural dialogue that leads to new collaborations within the GDTA network and beyond.
- To provide hands-on opportunities for learning, experimentation, and reflection.
- To strengthen the bridge between theory and practice, academia and society, and between local and global design ecosystems.
Format
D.Conference 2025 is a 2-day international gathering combining symposium talks, workshops, urban experiences, and field visits. The event is designed to promote participation, co-creation, and action.
- International Symposium (18 September)
- Workshops & Urban Safari (19 September)
- Informal Networking & Cultural Experiences (Throughout)
Participants will engage with global experts, local innovators, and fellow educators in diverse formats ranging from keynotes and panels to collaborative labs and city explorations.
Event Details
- Dates: 18–19 September 2025
- Location: Yaşar University, Izmir, Türkiye
- Languages: English (with local facilitation where needed)
- Audience: Educators, researchers, designers, students, civic leaders, social entrepreneurs, business innovators, and public sector changemakers
- Registration: Details coming soon
Preliminary Program Overview
18 September | International Symposium
A full day of keynote talks, moderated panels, and inspiring presentations under the theme “Design Thinking for Good.” Topics will address the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of design-driven transformation.
19 September | Workshops & Urban Safari
Morning: Hands-on workshops led by international facilitators on topics such as AI + Design, facilitation, systems thinking, and community engagement.
Afternoon: Guided city explorations (“Urban Safaris”) that connect participants with local innovation hubs, civic projects, and cultural sites.
Evening: Informal celebration and community gathering.
Join Us
Be part of a global community working to redefine the role of design in the world. D.Conference 2025 is not just an event—it’s a movement for those who believe design has a responsibility to serve the common good.
