Integrated Design Research Conference
Our Platforms and Initiatives
IDR actively engages the design community through a range of platforms:
IDR Conference
An annual international conference that brings together scholars, practitioners, and industry to
present and discuss emerging research in design.
IDR Journal
Bi-Annual, Peer-reviewed publications, including conference proceedings and journal issues,
dedicated to advancing design scholarship.
Events & Dialogues
A series of curated events, lectures, and discussions that encourage critical engagement and
knowledge exchange across disciplines.
Competitions
Design competitions that promote experimentation, innovation, and emerging talent across
diverse design fields.
IDR Conference
An annual international conference that brings together scholars, practitioners, and industry to
present and discuss emerging research in design.
IDR Journal
Bi-Annual, Peer-reviewed publications, including conference proceedings and journal issues,
dedicated to advancing design scholarship.
Events & Dialogues
A series of curated events, lectures, and discussions that encourage critical engagement and
knowledge exchange across disciplines.
Competitions
Design competitions that promote experimentation, innovation, and emerging talent across
diverse design fields.
Our Platforms and Initiatives
IDR actively engages the design community through a range of platforms:
IDR Conference
An annual international conference that brings together scholars, practitioners, and industry to
present and discuss emerging research in design.
IDR Journal
Bi-Annual, Peer-reviewed publications, including conference proceedings and journal issues,
dedicated to advancing design scholarship.
Events & Dialogues
A series of curated events, lectures, and discussions that encourage critical engagement and
knowledge exchange across disciplines.
Competitions
Design competitions that promote experimentation, innovation, and emerging talent across
diverse design fields.
POSTER DESIGN
WORKSHOP
By Prof. Rikke Hansen
TYPOGRAPHY
WORKSHOP
By Dr. Jo De Baerdemaeker
HERITAGE
SESSION
SPACE
CONCLAVE
CONFERENCE
DINNER
DESIGN RESEARCH
DISCUSSION
By Dr. Dilina Janadith
IDR Theme 2026 — The Creative Wave: Imagination, Adaptation, and Change
This year’s Integrated Design Research Conference invites designers, researchers, and educators to engage with The Creative Wave, exploring the fluid and transformative nature of creativity within contemporary design contexts. The conference opens a space to reflect on how creative practice evolves across shifting cultural, technological, and ecological landscapes, and how design continues to move, respond, and reshape itself in times of change. It encourages participants to consider design as a dynamic and evolving force, one that reinterprets traditions, navigates uncertainty, and generates new possibilities. Through this shared exploration, the conference brings together diverse perspectives to examine how creativity informs design research, pedagogy, and practice, while addressing complex challenges and imagining resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented pathways.
2025 POSTER
COMPETITION
VENUE
KEYNOTE
SPEAKER
VISION
SPEAKER
We are thrilled to announce the very first BYOR (Bring Your Own Research) session! This will be a relaxed monthly hangout for design research enthusiasts, taking place on the third
We sincerely appreciate Glyphs generous contribution of free Glyphs licenses for 20 students at the University of Moratuwa! A heartfelt thank you to Pathum Egodawatta for empowering the next generation
Welcome to Integrated Design Research (IDR)
Welcome to Integrated Design Research (IDR), an interdisciplinary platform that brings together design research, design education, design practice, and the design industry. IDR fosters collaboration and critical inquiry to advance design theories, methodologies, concepts, and practices at both local and global levels.
IDR operates as a space where design is explored not only as a creative act, but as a rigorous field of knowledge, innovation, and societal contribution. It supports inquiry that examines design, informs design, and is carried out through design itself.
Who We Are
Integrated Design Research (IDR) is part of the Department of Integrated Design, within the Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
IDR is an interdisciplinary design research platform that engages with multiple modes of inquiry, including research about design, research for design, and research through design. These approaches enable the study of design histories and theories, the development of knowledge to support practice and innovation, and the generation of insights through making and experimentation.
IDR is open to a wide community representing the field of design, both locally and internationally, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, educators, practitioners, and industry professionals.
IDR positions itself as a key contributor to:
- Advancing design discourse in Asia
- Engaging with vernacular knowledge and practices
- Recognising the role of design subcultures
- Strengthening the creative economy through research and practice
Leadership and IDR Team
IDR is guided by an academic and professional leadership committed to advancing design research and practice.
Head of Department
Ms. Ruwandika Senanayake
head-design@uom.lk
Department of Integrated Design
Faculty of Architecture,
University of Moratuwa
IDR Event Chairperson
Dr. Sumanthri Samarawickrama
idresearch@uom.lk
+94 77949 0745
IDR Event Co-Chairperson
Ms. Chathurangi De Silva
chathurangid@uom.lk
+94 773487276
Head of Department
Ms. Ruwandika Senanayake
head-design@uom.lk
Department of Integrated Design
Faculty of Architecture,
University of Moratuwa
IDR Event Chairperson
Dr. Sumanthri Samarawickrama
idresearch@uom.lk
+94 77949 0745
IDR Event Co-Chairperson
Ms. Chathurangi De Silva
chathurangid@uom.lk
+94 773487276
IDR Event Team
A collective of researchers, educators, and practitioners contributing to the development and dissemination of design knowledge.
IDR continues to grow as a platform for collaboration, inquiry, and innovation, shaping the future of design through research—about, for, and through design.
Dr. Sumanthri Samarawickrama
Sumanthris@uom.lk
+94 77949 0745
Dr. Kamal Wasala
kamalw@uom.lk
+94716947520
Dr. Dilina Nawarathne
dilinaj@uom.lk
+94767341429
Ms. Chathurangi De Silva
chathurangid@uom.lk
+94 773487276
Ms. Chathurika Nugawela
nugawelac@uom.lk
+940701379506
Ms. Thamashi Dias
thamashid@uom.lk
+94 71 756 6216
Ms. Amani Weerasinghe
amaniw@uom.lk
+94 712813525
Dr. Sagara Jayasinghe
sagaraj@uom.lk
+94 77 731 0177
Mr. Praneeth Perera
praneethp@uom.lk
+94 77 990 7604
Contact Information
Enquiries about IDR to:
The IDR Chair,
Dr. Sumanthri Samarawickrama,
sumanthris@uom.lk
Enquiries about IDR Conference:
The IDR Conference Team,
idresearch@uom.lk
Sponsors
