Masterclass Talks: RCA x Design for Good Academy

In conversation with Dr Pattie Moore, one of the founders of the inclusive and universal design movement, this Design For Good x RCA masterclass talk explored the gap between design aspiration and the lived experience of customers and end-users when those designs are implemented.

Ximena O’Reilly, Teman Evans, and Mauro Porcini talked about their thoughts on the importance of life-long learning. They shared their personal education experiences and reflected on what they believe are the key skills and mindset required by the design community today and in the future.

Prof Ron Wakkary, in conversation with RCA School of Design academics and researchers Dr Rob Phillips and Dr Delfina Fantini van Ditmar, address how to acknowledge the interconnectedness of humans and non-humans as a foundation for design.

Dr. Dori Tunstall, in conversation with Dr. Nick de Leon, explores the principle that all people are entitled to justice and joy that comes from cultural liberation and its implications on design practices. Together they reassess common design practices, discuss how designers can prioritise indigenous perspectives and take action to reduce environmental impact.

This conversation between Terry Behan, Head of Design at Nedbank South Africa, and the design and innovation leader Sandy Speicher, explores how to design innovative business models for sustainable design initiatives through ‘finding fit’. They unpack differences between product design vs business model design. The talk addresses the nuances of sustainability interpretations depending on whether you're sitting in the Global North or the Global South, and they share some innovative business models.

Looking at regenerative design from a systemic viewpoint, this conversation between School of Design academics and researchers Dr Richard Atkinson and Dr Delfina Fantini van Ditmar with Dr Daniel Christian Wahl addresses how to bring the health of ecological systems as a foundation for design.

Daniel is one of the catalysts of the rising reGeneration and the author of Designing Regenerative Cultures – so far translated into seven languages. He works as a consultant, educator and activist with NGOs, businesses, governments and global change agents. With degrees in biology and holistic science, and a PhD in Design for Human and Planetary Health, Daniel’s work has influenced the emerging fields of regenerative design and salutogenic design. Winner of the 2021 RSA Bicentenary Medal for applying design in service to society. Daniel was awarded a two year Volans-Fellowship in 2022.

Don Norman and Sean Carney discuss the shift from human-centred design to humanity-centred design, the importance of co-creation, reconciling design innovation with the needs of a business, holistic design approaches and more.

Read Designing for humanity: Five things we learnt watching Don Norman and Sean Carney in conversation.

Don is well known for his books (his latest book, Design for a Better World, was published last year), articles, talks and students. He has been an engineer, cognitive scientist, designer, and industry executive (Apple VP and Nielsen Norman group), and recently started the Don Norman Design Award program to reward early career practitioners who practice humanity-centred design.

Sean is an international thought leader in Brand and Design, with a proven track record of leading award-winning design teams around the world to deliver thoughtful consumer products to market that produce solid returns on investment. Sean is the former Chief Design Officer & Business Leader Healthcare Transformation Services at Philips and Advisory Council Member & Co Founder of Design for Good.