ShiftShaping: DesignThinkers 2025 Recap
I just got back from DesignThinkers 2025 in Toronto, and let’s just say my "creative battery" isn’t just recharged—it’s been upgraded to a super-capacity power pack.
This year’s theme was Shiftshapers, and it was exactly the "perception interception" I didn't know I needed. Between the neon lights of Meridian Hall and the buzzing energy of hundreds of fellow creatives, I walked away with some major takeaways that are going to change how I build things for you.
Here are my favorite moments:
🧱 Accessibility is the Foundation
We talk about digital accessibility basics a lot, but hearing speakers like Adobe’s Dee Miller discuss designing for "Product Equity" hit differently. It reminded me that accessibility isn't just a checklist of font sizes and contrast ratios—it’s a powerful force for inclusion. Whether it’s revitalizing languages through typography or ensuring a digital interface empowers rather than excludes, design has the power to break real-world barriers.
🍄 Nature, Narrative, and The Last of Us
One of the absolute highlights was hearing from the visionary designer behind the opening titles for The Last of Us TV series. Seeing the breakdown of how they used macro-cinematography and organic growth patterns to tell a story before a single line of dialogue is spoken was mind-blowing. It reinforced the idea that design isn't just about looking "cool"—it's about setting an emotional stage. It made me realize how much "story" we can pack into even the smallest digital details.
🎨 The Power of Play & Personality
I’ll admit it: sometimes I get caught in the "perfection trap." But sessions by Chris Clarke and Meg Lewis were a massive permission slip to just... play.
The lesson? Play isn't a distraction; it’s a strategy.
The vibe? Bringing your weird, wonderful personality to your work is the only way to stay original in a world of AI-generated sameness.
I’m officially embracing that unique mix of human intuition and quirk that no algorithm can replicate.
📸 The Great Analog Comeback
One of the most exciting trends I noticed across all of the sessions is the shift back toward analog creation. Think paper collages, hand-sketched lettering, and "messy" textures. The magic happens when we take those physical, tactile creations and capture them digitally (hello, photography!) to connect with audiences in a way that feels real.
In a digital-first world, people are craving the "imperfect" touch. Capturing the grain of paper creates a level of authenticity that builds an immediate, human connection.
💖 The Creative Connection
Beyond the workshops and the trending Pantones, the best part of DesignThinkers was the community. Being a creative can sometimes feel like you’re on an island, but standing in a room full of people who get the struggle of a professional "belly flop" (thanks for the term, Stephen Gates!) and the joy of a breakthrough was incredibly rejuvenating.
I’m heading back to my desk feeling bold, vulnerable, and ready to experiment. Expect more color, more heart, and definitely more "play" in my upcoming projects!
