The DMI International Singapore Conference, Design|Value, will be about using design and design thinking to solve business objectives.

The role of design in business has shifted dramatically over the past few years, and is now becoming recognized as a key business asset that can add true value. With a panel of international experts, this conference will communicate how to create value through design, based on the triple bottom line: economic, social/cultural, and environmental value. More than any other business activity, design has the ability to deliver value throughout the triple bottom line.

Design in all its forms (product design, innovation design, environment design, information design, communication design, etc.) is a powerful business tool, and there are specific techniques, processes, and structures to enable success. But moving design from a project-based function to a strategic function, from lowest cost to sustainable, from an expense to an asset — is challenging.

Obtaining significant value from design goes beyond commissioning a hot designer or cool advertising. Rather, it involves a deep understanding of customer behaviors, corporate leadership, corporate culture, cross-functional work teams, specific methods and processes, utilizing both qualitative research and intuition in decision making, and applying design visualization and design methods to key business processes. A portfolio of experts from Asia, Europe and America will describe how to create value for the customer and for business by using design as a core business strategy.

SIGGRAPH Asia 2008 will feature works that provoke thought, explore ideas in innovative ways, address contemporary issues, interactively engage viewers in discovery, and stimulate their intellect and creativity.

The 2nd Singapore Design Festival will be held from 28 November to 8 December 2007. The Festival will be a multifaceted experience focusing on the design process and the conceptualisation of ideas. In essence the Festival aims to build upon the design culture in Singapore and around the world, making it an interactive and “live” experience of the design process and its end products.

Over 100 Festival activities will take place around Singapore. With a focus on design development, the Festival offers a broad range of activities including conventions, country presentations, curated exhibitions, workshops, open houses, product placements, award ceremonies and opportunities to meet other leaders in the design arena.

From designers to design policy makers, agencies, schools, media, related industries, businesses and the general public – all are welcome to participate, enjoy and learn.

Maish Nichani, Local ambassador, Singapore