Better World by Design?

You know, it seems like we're seeing more and more design-related conferences like the "A Better World by Design" one being held in Providence, Rhode Island this weekend.

Here's the pitch from their site: "The conference will focus heavily on design, integrative thinking, and social and environmental change, to excite professionals and students alike on the potential of ideas and collaboration across disciplines."

I have to say, I love these - and the fact that a group of students from RISD and Brown are putting this together makes it all the more lovable.

And the speaker list is fairly impressive:
* Jan Chipchase, principal engineer at the Nokia Research Center
* Michael Braungart, founder and partner of McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry and the Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency
* William Drenttel, founder of Winterhouse Studio and Editor of Design Observer
* Stuart Harshbarger, program manager and system integrator for Johns Hopkins University's Revolutionizing Prosthetics Program
* Kigge Hvid, founder and CEO of INDEX
* Emeka Okafor, creator of TED Africa and founder of Maker Faire Africa

Plus panels on Appropriate Technology, Affordable Housing,
The Integration of Design and Business, and Emerging Markets.

If you're in the area, I encourage you to check it out and give us feedback on the event.

All the details are here.


(photo by Robert S. Donovan. Trophy design by Aran Mun.)