The Service Design Global Conference 2023, a groundbreaking event spanning two enriching days on October 5th and 6th, served as an invaluable platform for professionals and enthusiasts alike to deeply explore the conference’s overarching theme: “Catalyst for Change.” The event, inaugurated with great zeal by Birgit Mager, Co-Founder and President of the International Service Design Network (SDN), stood as a testament to the relentless pursuit of global growth and innovation within the realm of Service Design. SDN, a trailblazing non-profit organization, orchestrated this event as part of its commitment to connecting diverse sectors, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthening the impact of service design in both public and private spheres.
Building on the resounding success of the previous year’s hybrid event, the Service Design Global Conference 2023 embraced the vibrant city of Berlin as its physical venue while simultaneously extending its reach online. This edition promised an immersive experience, inviting participants to engage in interactive learning, delve into insightful keynote presentations, and partake in both in-person and virtual networking opportunities. At its core, the Service Design Global Conference aimed to convene the brightest minds in the industry, encouraging the exchange of service design knowledge, innovative cross-disciplinary methods, and transformative thinking.
Global Convergence: Day 1 Highlights at the Service Design Global Conference 2023
The Service Design Global Conference 2023, humorously hosted by Adam B. Cochrane and Adam StJohn Lawrence (oh yes, both the hosts were named Adam!), seamlessly integrated both in-person and virtual experiences, ensuring accessibility to a diverse global audience. In a world marked by rapid innovations, digital advancements, and heightened environmental awareness, this event delved deep into the pivotal role of service design in accelerating and enhancing these transformative shifts. With over 900 attendees hailing from various corners of the globe, the Service Design Global Conference 2023 emerged as a truly international gathering of service design enthusiasts and professionals.
DesignWhine, as enthusiastic media partner, took immense pride in being an integral part of this dynamic discourse, underscoring the vital synergy between design innovation and global conversations shaping our future.
The conference commenced with a thought-provoking keynote address delivered by Giulia Bazoli and Pardis Shafafi. Their discussion revolved around the “Do No Harm” framework for design, emphasizing the need for designers to wield their influence responsibly.
Throughout the conference, numerous sessions captured attention, such as “Jugaad to the Future,” “Transforming healthcare services through collaborative design,” and “The long slog of public service design.” These sessions provided invaluable insights into the potential of service design to address societal challenges and enhance service delivery.
Inspiring Innovations: Day 2 Highlights at the Service Design Global Conference 2023
Day 2 of the Service Design Global Conference 2023 unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of insightful talks and engaging discussions. Attendees were treated to a diverse array of topics, ranging from the extended applications of journey maps beyond traditional sticky notes to the crucial task of fostering a service design culture for positive societal change. Intriguing dialogues also delved into the transformative landscape of education in Indonesia, exploring avenues for impactful change.
The day buzzed with intellectually stimulating conversations, including sessions focused on recalibrating service design strategies for a regenerative future. Attendees explored the fascinating interplay between playfulness, curiosity, and their roles in transformative system changes. Discussions also ventured into the realm of gender inclusivity in higher education and the transformative potential of AI in shaping future service experiences.
Recognizing Excellence: The Service Design Awards
As the second day drew to a close, the atmosphere was charged with excitement during the celebration of the Service Design Award winners. The Service Design Award, curated by the Service Design Network, is the first international service design award to recognise the service design community’s achievements in both the public and private sectors. The event highlighted exceptional projects that pushed the boundaries of innovation and dedication within the realm of service design.
In the “Professional Non-profit/Public Sector” category, the UK Ministry of Justice garnered applause for their visionary project titled “Setting a 2030 Vision for Resettlement from Prison into the Community.”
In the “Student” category, accolades went to the project “Save time, save lives: Improved communication flows of emergency staff to effectively use life-saving time in major trauma,” a testament to innovative problem-solving.
Finally, the “Professional Commercial” category celebrated the triumph of “Nemo: The Finnish Maritime Single Window,” showcasing groundbreaking initiatives.
The Service Design Global Conference 2023 was not merely an event; it was a dynamic and enlightening experience. It offered profound insights, innovative ideas, and abundant networking opportunities for all participants, reaffirming the pivotal role of service design as a potent catalyst for transformative change in our ever-evolving world. Participants left inspired, armed with fresh perspectives and a renewed commitment to shaping a future where service design leads the way.
DesignWhine’s Take On Being A Media Partner
DesignWhine, as an indie digital magazine dedicated to UX designers, took immense pride in being media partners with the Service Design Global Conference. With a mission to empower UX design voices globally, DesignWhine cherished the opportunity to collaborate with the Service Design Network, aligning their shared vision of fostering innovation and knowledge exchange in the dynamic field of service design.
This partnership allowed us to amplify the diverse narratives and insights emerging from the conference, contributing to the magazine’s mission of enriching the UX design community worldwide.
Being media partners with the Service Design Global Conference was not just a collaboration; it was a shared commitment to nurturing creativity, expertise, and thought leadership in the ever-evolving landscape of UX design.
Learn more about service design and how to collaborate with the community through the Touchpoint journal, SDN Global Chapters or participate in the SDN Academy courses by visiting the https://www.service-design-network.org website..
