People using mobile phones to read information in a futuristic looking space

Don’t fear the future: how interdisciplinary design is changing to meet new circumstances

Date: 10 September 2020
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Online via Zoom
Past event

The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. Its impact transformed our economy, public and private spaces, and the way we went about our lives individually and collectively. Organisations in every sector, including our own wayfinding and sign industry, had to adapt and evolve quickly to changed priorities to help us navigate these uncertain times. A challenge during this time-frame for information designers included wayfinding in a time of social distancing and reduced capacities. SEGD’s (Society of Experiential Graphic Design) CEO Cybelle Jones joined us to discuss ideas on embracing the future rather than fearing it as our global call-to-action, and employing experiential communication design thinking as a means to solving small and large-scale problems. Cybelle invited attendees to challenge the status quo, and work through tactics for creating personal and professional agility over complacency. “When we are willing to take risks and experiment, we can drive innovation and successes to build a new model for our design profession that is sustainable into the future.” She also shared her strategic initiatives for SEGD which include elevating the urgent need to rethink our traditional ‘EGD’ design attitudes.

About our speaker

Cybelle Jones is CEO of the SEGD where she is responsible for strategic leadership that fosters excellence in every aspect of SEGD to ensure member value, raised visibility of the profession and financial stewardship. Previously, Cybelle was Principal and Executive Director of Gallagher & Associates. Her leadership and creative direction was integral to the success of the firm and to their position as one of the leading experience design firms. Cybelle Jones studied architecture at the University of Cincinnati and helped establish the Masters of Exhibition Design programme at the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington D.C. She received the 2014 SEGD Distinguished Member and was a SEGD Board member from 2006-2012. In addition, Cybelle Jones has received multiple honours including the American Institute of Architects Award of Excellence and has been a guest critic and speaker for organizations including SEGD Xlab, MuseumNext, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Communicating the Arts, American Alliance of Museums, Building Museums Symposium, International Council of Museums and the Fashion Institute of Technology and DAAP (University of Cincinnati).

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