top of page

Designing Legacy

The Past, Present and Future of Industrial Design

This multi-day event invites participants to explore the enduring influence of industrial design through the lens of legacy.

Each day offers a unique sub-theme—past, present, and future—while highlighting the people, ideas, and innovations that have shaped the discipline and continue to move it forward.


Day 1 | Unite
Day 2 | Learn
Day 3 | Connect 
Day 4 | Dream


Through exhibits, workshops, keynote presentations and engaging discussions attendees will connect with the design community and be inspired to contribute to its ongoing story.

The Education Symposium Content will be posted to the schedule soon. Check here for more details on featured education research.

UNITE

Open Design Day

A free, public event celebrating the power and creativity of industrial design! This open-access day invites people of all backgrounds to engage with the design community through hands-on exhibits, interactive experiences, and creative workshops. Discover how industrial design shapes the world around us—from everyday products to future innovations—while networking with designers, students, and enthusiasts. Whether you're curious, creative, or just passing by, this is your chance to explore the impact of design in an inspiring, inclusive environment. 

Tuesday, September 16

9:00AM

10:00AM
12:00PM

1:00PM

​

​​​​​

​​

​

​

4:30PM

Registration Open 

Open Design Day - Portfolio Reviews

Break / Lunch on Your Own 

​

Exhibits

Product Showcase

Open Design Day 

Hands-on Workshops 

Community Design Workshops

Research

Circular Design

Women in Design

Local Chapters

Sponsored Events and Tours 

LEARN

Honor the Past

Dive into the rich history and enduring impact of industrial design. This day is dedicated to exploring the discipline’s legacy by highlighting landmark achievements, pivotal innovations, and design milestones that continue to shape today’s world. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with senior professionals and mentors who have made lasting contributions to the field. Through curated exhibits, storytelling sessions, and networking opportunities, participants will gain a deeper appreciation of the evolution of design and its ongoing influence on the industry.

Wednesday, September 17

7:30AM

8:30AM

9:45AM

11:00AM

 

 

1:30PM

​

3:30PM

 

​

6:00PM

Breakfast, Networking, and Exhibits

Opening Remarks by IDSA and Morning Keynote Sessions​

Networking and Exhibits 

​

Mentoring Session

Fireside Chat

Portfolio Reviews

Exhibits

Workshops

​

Mentoring Session

Fireside Chat

Portfolio Reviews

Exhibits

 

Welcome Reception

CONNECT

Design the Present

This day centers on the present state of industrial design and the evolving challenges designers face in a rapidly changing world. Attendees will delve into how emerging technologies, modern methodologies, and sustainability initiatives are actively reshaping the field. Through hands-on workshops, collaborative sessions, and tool demonstrations, participants will explore real-world problems and work alongside peers to develop innovative solutions. It’s a day of active learning, creative exchange, and forward-thinking exploration. 

Thursday, September 18

7:30AM

9:00AM

11:30AM

12:30AM

1:00PM

3:30PM

​

6:00PM

6:00PM

Breakfast and Exhibits

Keynote Sessions

IDSA Awards

Exhibits

Workshops

Networking

Design Community Gatherings

Exhibits

IDEA Award Gala

Enjoy Detroit Month of Design

Eastern Market After Dark

DREAM

Shaping the Future

The final day is dedicated to empowering designers to become visionary leaders who define the future of industrial design. Participants will explore how cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and ethical practices are paving the way for meaningful and sustainable innovation. Through thought-provoking discussions and forward-focused activities, this day encourages attendees to reflect on their potential to lead and inspire. The event concludes with a powerful call to action—inviting individuals and organizations alike to commit to building a lasting legacy and driving the future of design with purpose and responsibility.

Friday, September 19

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

12:00PM

Breakfast, Networking, and Exhibits

Workshops

Rapid Fire Keynote Session

Closing Session

  • White Facebook Icon
  • White Instagram Icon
  • White Twitter Icon
IDSA_Logo-White.png

For 60 years, the Industrial Designers Society of America has worked to advance the practice of industrial design through education, information, community, and advocacy. Our roots stretch to the beginning of the profession, and our members are, and have been, some of the most celebrated industrial designers of all time. Today, we exist as a global voice for industrial design within a broad ecosystem of design disciplines and we celebrate the cross-functional overlap of many creative fields.

Learn more at IDSA.org

bottom of page