We’re thrilled to announce that just like the previous year DesignWhine is partnering with the Service Design Global Conference (SDGC) 2024 this year as well! Whether you’re already deeply involved in service design or looking to get started, this event is your chance to stay at the cutting edge of a field that’s rapidly shaping industries, organizations, and communities worldwide.
The Service Design Global Conference 2024 will be held from October 2–4, 2024, focusing on the theme Designing for Impact: Strategic Leadership with Service Design. The event will explore how service design can drive measurable outcomes and strategic value. It will be a hybrid conference, allowing attendees to join both online and in-person in Helsinki, Finland, making it accessible to a global audience.
What You Can Expect at SDGC24
The Service Design Global Conference (SDGC) has become a cornerstone event in the global service design calendar. Since 2008, the conference has brought together thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners from across the globe to share ideas, learn from one another, and foster deeper connections within the service design community. Hosted by the Service Design Network (SDN), this year marks the 17th edition of the conference and promises to be bigger and more impactful than ever before.
At its core, SDGC24 is a space for sharing knowledge, exploring new research, and engaging in conversations that push the boundaries of what service design can achieve.
This year’s event will be co-organized with the SDN Finland chapter and in partnership with the Finnish designers’ association Ornamo Art and Design Finland. The conference will maintain its 3-day format, kicking off on October 2 with workshops and pre-conference networking sessions. This will be followed by two days packed with insightful talks, panels, and activities.
This year’s theme, “Designing for Impact: Strategic Leadership with Service Design,” is all about focusing on outcomes over outputs. It’s not enough to simply create well-designed services—service designers are increasingly tasked with proving the tangible impact of their work. At SDGC24, you’ll explore how service design can drive meaningful change across sectors, from improving user experiences to influencing strategy and policy at the highest levels.
Here are just a few of the highlights you can look forward to:
- Keynote Speeches from industry leaders, strategists, and pioneers (details below)
- Hands-on Workshops to help you sharpen your service design skills
- Panel Discussions on emerging trends, real-world case studies, and research
- Networking Opportunities with service design professionals from around the world, both in-person and virtually
- Showcasing the Impact: real-world examples of how service design is transforming industries like healthcare, technology, education, and government
Keynote Speakers to Watch
This year’s lineup of keynote speakers brings a fresh, diverse perspective on service design and its growing impact:
- Andy Polaine – Design Leadership Coach & Author
Talk: It’s Not Business, It’s Personal: Leadership in Service Design
Andy dives into the heart of leadership in service design, challenging traditional notions of business relationships. His talk emphasizes the importance of metacommunication in addressing the fears and anxieties that lead to misalignment in organizations. - Coral Michelin – S&T Product Manager, Professor & Researcher in Design
Talk: Transformative Experiences Towards Regenerated Futures
Coral’s session explores how intentional transformative experiences can reshape worldviews toward sustainable actions. Her focus is on regenerative leadership and the role of service design in combating the climate crisis. - Marie van Driessche – UX Designer & Researcher
Talk: Inclusive Design, More Than You Hear
Marie will share personal stories on inclusive design, particularly for Deaf users. Her talk highlights the importance of co-designing with diverse perspectives to build truly accessible solutions. - Hanna Harris – Chief Design Officer, City of Helsinki
Talk: Designing a Better Urban Future: Learnings from Helsinki
Hanna will reflect on Helsinki’s journey since becoming World Design Capital in 2012, offering key insights into how design can shape sustainable urban futures.
Why “Designing for Impact” Matters Now More Than Ever
The world of service design is evolving. Today, designers are expected to do more than just craft seamless experiences; they’re called upon to lead strategically and demonstrate how their work delivers measurable value. This shift requires service designers to step into new roles as strategic leaders—able to bridge the gap between design, business, and societal outcomes.
The 2024 theme, “Designing for Impact,” is a reflection of this transition. It’s about asking the tough questions: How can we prove that service design moves the needle? How do we measure the real-world impact of our designs on technology, society, and future generations? These are the types of conversations and insights you can expect to dive into during the three-day event.
Service designers are increasingly becoming key players in shaping organizational strategies. It’s no longer about just making things work better for the user—it’s about contributing to an organization’s success in a tangible, measurable way. Whether you’re creating new public services or enhancing existing platforms, this year’s SDGC will help you take your skills to the next level by focusing on these broader, impactful questions.
The Power of Networking at SDGC24
One of the biggest draws of SDGC is the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and forge long-lasting relationships within the service design community. Whether you attend in person or virtually, you’ll have the chance to engage with experts, exchange ideas, and discover new perspectives. The event regularly attracts service design practitioners from diverse sectors such as healthcare, government, education, technology, and beyond—each bringing unique insights into how service design can be applied to solve real-world challenges.
If you’re attending in Helsinki, the in-person format offers additional opportunities for deeper conversations, spontaneous connections, and hands-on collaboration. You’ll also have the chance to experience the vibrant local design scene in Finland, a country known for its leadership in design and innovation. If virtual attendance is more your style, the hybrid format ensures you won’t miss out. All online participants will have access to live-streamed keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and even virtual networking spaces designed to foster connection.
Why Helsinki? The Perfect Design Hub for SDGC24
Helsinki, the host city for this year’s conference, isn’t just a beautiful place—it’s a city known for its dedication to design thinking and innovation. As the World Design Capital in 2012, Helsinki has solidified its reputation as a global leader in creating user-friendly services and environments. It’s the perfect backdrop for a conference dedicated to exploring the future of service design.
Finland’s commitment to sustainable and human-centered design aligns perfectly with the theme of “Designing for Impact.” Finnish service design projects have made waves in public services, education, healthcare, and environmental design, and you can expect to hear firsthand from local and international experts who are setting the standard for impactful service design practices.
Who Should Attend SDGC24?
If you’re still wondering whether this event is right for you, here’s a breakdown of who will benefit the most:
- Service Designers and UX Professionals: Learn how to apply service design principles to create tangible impact, lead strategically, and influence organizational outcomes.
- Business Leaders and Strategists: Discover how service design can solve complex business challenges and drive measurable results.
- Academics and Researchers: Explore the latest research on service design and its evolving role in shaping industries and societies.
- Public Sector Professionals: Understand how service design can be a key tool in reshaping public services for better outcomes.
No matter your role, SDGC24 will provide valuable insights, practical tools, and networking opportunities to help you advance in your career and make a difference within your organization or community.
Exclusive Promo Code for DesignWhine Readers: Save on SDGC24 Tickets!
The Service Design Global Conference 2024 is the event that will shape the future of service design. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with industry leaders, sharpen your skills, and become part of a global movement for impactful design.
And here’s an exclusive offer from DesignWhine: Get 5% off on virtual tickets for SDGC24 using the promo code DESIGNWHINEVIRTUAL5.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the conference online and gain insights into the future of service design. See the full programme and get your virtual tickets here.
