Will AI lead or follow design? The Debate Starts Here

NOTE: Ticket numbers are STRICTLY LIMITED and on Eventbrite ONLY

For our upcoming Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup, we have booked The Courtyard Playhouse for something theatrical.

This isn’t a panel.

It’s not a keynote.

For the first time ever, we will showcase design on stage to confront ideas, seek clarity, and uphold our beliefs.

We’ve already secured the tickets. You can claim yours with 100% off, but only if you commit to the conversation.

The Motion:
AI will lead design

We asked the community, and this was the winning vote. Now we’re making it real.

This is a space for thoughtful disagreement, where ideas are tested, challenged, and clarified.

We’re not just looking for opinions.

We’re looking for high-res thinking.

Meet the voices who’ll take a side:
👍 FOR
Tim Daines - Co-Founder & CPDO - Synaptix
“The scariest thing about AI? Designers who sketch themselves out of a job - creativity becomes causality.”

Tim strongly believes in the potential loss of originality and innovation when designers overly depend on AI.

Jay Tulloch - Head of Platform Product Design - Careem
"AI will lead design into places we’ve never imagined."
Jay sees a shift coming. AI won’t just support design; it’ll steer it.

👎 AGAINST
Angelique Alexander - Principal Design Lead - A171
"The integration of AI demands clear leadership, and that leadership belongs to design."

Angelique believes AI is a powerful tool for enhancing design skills and processes, but it should never dictate or replace them.

Mila Krus - Head of Interaction Design and Visual Design - Emirates NBD
"Designers don’t play nice. But we play smart."

Mila’s here to tell us why design needs to stay in control, even with AI lurking in the background. Can we trust AI to know what’s best for design?

What to expect...

• A structured debate format with two teams competing
• Real-time audience voting on which side made the stronger case
• A chance to witness how design and AI intersect and compete for clarity
• Engaging discussions, intellectual tension, and moments that might challenge your perspective.

This is the place if you’ve ever wanted to see design ideas tested, challenged, and pushed to the limit.

70 seats only. No fence-sitting. Claim your seat before 1st May.

Ticket numbers are STRICTLY LIMITED and on Eventbrite ONLY