We're kicking off the day with a series of solo talks on the main stage that showcase the power of design in disciplines beyond software. Through their work building experiences and products, our speakers will reveal the creativity, innovation - and design - all around us.
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Director
Refik Anadol is an internationally renowned media artist, director, and pioneer in the aesthetics of data and machine intelligence. Anadol’s work locates creativity at the intersection of humans and machines. Taking the data that surrounds us as primary material, and the neural network of a computerized mind as a collaborator, Anadol offers us radical visualizations of our digitized memories and expands the possibilities of interdisciplinary arts. Anadol’s works encourage us to rethink our engagement with the physical world, collective experiences, public art, decentralized networks, and the creative potential of AI.
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CEO & Co-founder
Jason Ballard has dedicated his life to working on big problems in service to humanity, most notably as the co-founder and CEO of ICON, the construction technology company developing robotic and AI systems to lower the cost and increase the speed and quality of construction. Raising $451 million to date in funding, ICON has delivered communities of 3D-printed homes in the U.S. and internationally and forged partnerships with world-renowned architects, builders and housing organizations missionally aligned to shift the paradigm of homebuilding. Ballard has been named to TIME100 Next as one of the emerging leaders shaping the future as well as Newsweek’s America's Greatest Disruptors: Visionaries and Innovators Who Are Changing the World.
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Inventor, Robotics Enthusiast, YouTuber
Simone Giertz, the "Queen of Shitty Robots," is a trailblazing inventor and creator known for her unique approach to engineering and design. Her journey began with intentionally impractical robots, showcasing her commitment to embracing failure as an integral part of the creative process. With a global YouTube fan base (2M+), Simone shares humorous adventures in building, breaking, and reimagining robots, inspiring a new generation of makers to find joy in failure. Beyond YouTube, Simone captivates audiences with her blend of humor, storytelling and engineer expertise to deliver a fresh perspective on innovation, creativity, and the importance of embracing imperfections. Featured on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Wired Magazine, and a TED talk with millions of views, Simone Giertz continues to prove that innovation is not just about success but also the adventure and lessons found in the pursuit of the unknown.