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Another Water Bottle?
September 17, 2025
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
11th Floor - Breakout B

SK O'Brien
This reflective inquiry challenges industrial designers to critically examine their purpose and responsibility in a saturated market. Using the familiar trope of the water bottle, it asks: do we truly need to design another one? Or should we redirect our skills toward deeper ethical, environmental, and social issues? This presentation explores the evolving role of designers—not just as creators of objects, but as advocates for change, facilitators of dialogue, and stewards of collective impact. It invites educators and professionals alike to reimagine design education as a platform for values-driven practice, empowering students to navigate complexity and lead with conviction.
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