Conference – Integrated Design Research Conference

IDR Theme 2024

In this rapidly changing world, design innovation is essential to create new and improved products, services and environments. This year’s theme is ‘Design Innovation’, where we explore the role of design innovation as a process and the application of it in design and design thinking. The theme will further explore the past, present and the future of creative ways of solving problems through design.

Under this theme, we hope to discuss several sub-themes to cover different domains of application:

Design Innovation within Society and Culture
- Exploring the influence of societal and cultural contexts on design innovation
- Examining the role of design in shaping and reflecting societal values and norms
- Investigating the impact of cultural diversity on design innovation processes
- Understanding how design can address social and cultural challenges
Design Innovation within Vernacular Knowledge and Practice
- Embracing traditional and indigenous knowledge in design innovation
- Recognizing the significance of local practices and craftsmanship in design
- Integrating vernacular design elements and techniques into contemporary design
- Exploring the intersection of modern design principles with traditional wisdom
Design Innovation for Economy and Industries
- Investigating the role of design in driving economic growth and competitiveness
- Examining the relationship between design innovation and industry sectors
- Exploring design-led approaches for product development and market success
- Considering the economic impact of design thinking and innovation strategies
Design Innovation within Design Pedagogy and Thinking
- Exploring innovative teaching and learning approaches in design education
- Fostering creativity and critical thinking in design pedagogy
- Examining the integration of design thinking methodologies in various disciplines
- Investigating the future of design education in a rapidly evolving world
Design Innovation across Technologies
- Exploring the intersection of design and emerging technologies
- Investigating the impact of digitalization and automation on design processes
- Examining the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in design innovation
- Exploring the potential of technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and Internet of Things in design
Design Innovation in Circularity and Sustainability
- Promoting sustainable design practices and principles
- Investigating the role of design in achieving a circular economy
- Exploring innovative materials, production methods, and waste management in design
- Addressing the environmental and social impact of design through innovation and sustainable solutions

These conference sub-themes cover a wide range of aspects related to design and can be discussed across different domains of application, including Architectural design, Ceramic Design, Communication design, Design education, Engineering design, Fashion design, Graphic design, Industrial design, Jewellery design, Landscape design, Lifestyle design, Packaging design, Product design and Urban Design.

Date and Venue

December 2024

University of Moratuwa,
Bandaranayake Mawatha, Moratuwa 10400 Sri Lanka.
www.uom.lk

Keynote Speakers

Vision Speech by

Mr. Mahesh Pathirathna

Global literacy Advisor – Room to Read

Award-winning author and expert in global education, Mahesh Pathirathna plays a key role at Room to Read as the Global Literacy Advisor. He is an advocate for children’s life-changing educational experiences and has an impressive background spanning fifteen countries. A recipient of Yale University’s 2018 Innovative Leader Scholarship, Mahesh strategically improves early reading initiatives. His impact is felt in partnerships with academic institutions, governments, and publishers, which promotes reading around the world. His dedication to promoting children’s literature and literacy is clear as he frequently speaks at recognized conferences like AFCC and IBBY. Mahesh is a storyteller, consultant and a devoted supporter of meaningful learning across the globe.

Keynote Speech by

Prof. Suchitra Balasubrahmanyan

Research Fellowship, Centre for Design History, University of Brighton

As a visiting professor at Nirma University in Ahmedabad and a National Institute of Design alum, Suchitra Balasubrahmanyan investigates how craft and design interacted in 19th and 20th-century India. Her work explores the materiality and political economy of modernism in post-independence India, with a particular emphasis on the context of decolonization and nationalism. Her expertise is demonstrated by recent publications such as “The India-Pakistan border as a site for the production of national identity” and “Concrete designs for living proposed by Marg Magazine”. Suchitra makes a substantial contribution to interpreting the complexities of India’s design narrative by offering a critical viewpoint on design history.