The shapes of creative work

• Theme:Design craft
• Topic:Brand
• Topic:Strategy
• Topic:Independent

Every creative project follows a path — these paths can be mysterious, circuitous, and unpredictable. The most challenging task of a working designer is to learn these paths, spot them as they unfold, and ultimately learn to shape them. In this talk, Kevin will uncover the hidden patterns underneath every creative endeavor, the dynamics that shape them, and the tools and tactics that let you see around corners.

Growth design as art and science

• Theme:Design craft
• Topic:Research
• Topic:Strategy

Growth design is both art and science—a mindset that balances craft with data-driven iteration to create impactful, user-centered experiences. In this talk, Becca shares insights from her work as a web growth designer, highlighting how an iterative approach can elevate design craft while achieving measurable outcomes, along with practical tips for applying a growth mindset to any workflow.

Unlearning design: how testing transformed my work

• Theme:Design craft
• Topic:Brand
• Topic:Strategy
• Topic:Independent
• Topic:Web design

After designing and launching 100+ marketing websites, it’s easy to assume they’re working—but are they really? A site can look great and follow best practices, but that doesn’t mean it drives results. This talk dives into what happens when designers stop guessing and start testing, revealing hard-earned lessons about failure, persistence, and what it truly means to design to win.