Design Groups Sydney

SydDT #129: Community Social

SydDT is a diverse community of 10,000+ members started in 2015. Our monthly meetup is one of the top design thinking meetups globally. The SydDT community is known for being **fun, welcoming, and inclusive**. Come join us for some fun conversations with interesting people in and around the design community. More details closer to the date... **EVENT SPONSORS** This event is brought to you by... contact us if you're keen to support the SydDT community. We take photos and record our events for documentation and promo purposes. Just let us know if you prefer not to be featured.

SydDT #130: The Hidden Performance Skills of Great Designers

Designers spend years learning how to shape products, services, and experiences. But some of the most important design work happens live, in the room: * facilitating conversations * navigating uncertainty * building trust * uncovering perspectives * creating energy * driving alignment * helping people feel safe enough to contribute honestly Great facilitators don’t just run workshops, they shape emotion, attention, participation, atmosphere, and human connection in real time. In this Sydney Design Thinking Meetup, we’ll explore what designers can learn from experts who work at the extreme edge of live human experience design. Joining us will be: [Pamela Pilawa](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-pilawa-27096baa/) A Sydney-based performer blending clowning, physical theatre, storytelling, and teaching across cultures and languages. [Pamela’s work ](https://pamelapilawa.com/)explores presence, emotional authenticity, courage, vulnerability, improvisation, and audience connection. Pamela will share perspectives from the world of clowning and performance — including: * how to stay present under uncertainty * responding authentically in the moment * reading audience energy * embracing failure and imperfection * building trust and connection quickly * why vulnerability can be a leadership strength Because sometimes the difference between a good workshop and a transformative one isn’t the methodology. It’s the human presence in the room. [Wai Yin Vicente Kwok](https://www.linkedin.com/in/wai-yin-vicente-kwok/) Creative Director and Founder of [Wai Yin Designs](https://www.waiyindesigns.com/), with more than 20 years of international experience across theatre, film, immersive events, entertainment, and experiential activations — including large-scale themed experiences at Universal Studios Singapore. Wai Yin will explore how environment, atmosphere, spatial design, and intentional setup influence participation, behaviour, emotion, and outcomes. Drawing from theatre, live entertainment, and immersive experience design, she’ll share how: * environments shape interaction * atmosphere influences engagement * physical space changes collaboration dynamics * intentional staging can reinforce purpose * experiences can be orchestrated to support desired outcomes Because workshops, co-design sessions, and facilitation environments are experiences too. And like any experience, they can be intentionally designed. Together, we’ll explore: * facilitation as performance * the role of presence in leadership and design * designing environments for participation * improvisation and adaptability * balancing structure with emergence * how designers can become more effective facilitators of human interaction This session isn’t about becoming performers. It’s about learning from experts whose craft depends on understanding people in real time.... **EVENT SPONSORS** This event is brought to you by... contact us if you're keen to support the SydDT community. We take photos and record our events for documentation and promo purposes. Just let us know if you prefer not to be featured.

Earning Influence: Why Strong Design work doesn't move the room

Welcome Back CCX Sydney to our events for 2026 from myself, Lydia, Sylvia and James and we are planning a bumper selection of speakers for this year. Our next event on August 18th will feature two unique presentations from Designers Dan Whelan and Ariel Blackman both from Commonwealth Bank. We will be hosting by the Team at Hipages special thanks to Carlos Guedes and Natalia Furtado. Our first Talk from CBA Product Design leader, Dan Whelan: **Earning Influence: Why Strong Design Work Doesn't Move the Room** **About Dan's Talk** You're doing great work. Decisions move on without you anyway. Here's why — and what has to be true before that changes. It's easy to assume that if the work is good enough, it earns its own influence. It doesn't. Design gets described, by default, in process terms — what was explored, tested, shipped — while the room is listening for risk, revenue and consequence, meaning how we describe the work to each other isn't the value our stakeholders want to see. Good work can fail to move a decision, because how it's described isn't connected to the decision's value. This talk covers the two things that usually get in the way of making your work land. First, the translation problem: why the same piece of work, described two different ways, gets two completely different receptions from your non-designer stakeholders. Second, the gap underneath: work that fails to land because it was never linked to key behaviour to start with, it was built around untraceable best practice. This talk covers both, so the next time you do good work, it doesn't get ignored. **About Dan** Dan Whelan is a design leader with 20 years across companies including Intuit and CommBank, and some of Australia's most complex financial products. She writes and speaks on decision quality and behavioural design, helping designers close the gap between doing strong work and having it influence the room. Our second speaker also from CBA will Ariel Blackman, User Experience Designer on Neurodivergent Strategies **About Ariel:** Agile design specialist with a talent for Graphic and UX/UI Design. Masterfully shape the brand identities of organisations through telling diverse stories that breed connection. An experienced resource that can instantly oversee existing projects in from initial creation and execution of design, to follow through with production to the finished product. Dedicated to changing the digital landscape through creating designs that evoke the satisfaction of users whilst providing a lasting sense of wonder. Please note that we will be back at Hipages for our August Event so please familiarise yourself with The location and Start Time. We hope to See you in August and are really looking forward to Hearing from both Dan and Ariel.

BONDI PAVILION X WAVERLEY ART PRIZE  

BOND: Pt 3 - Femme fatale with Kymberlee

Step into a world of espionage through a three-part fashion photography workshop in deconstructing and icon - James Bond 007 through a fearless female lens. This isn’t your typical shoot — it’s a cinematic, high-fashion rebellion. **Reimagine. Redefine. Reload**. **PART III – Femme Fatale** Explore the dark glamour of the femme fatale. This shoot dives into complex characters, bold silhouettes, and the seductive art of menace. We’ll craft visuals that blur the line between danger and desire. **Who it’s for:** Photographers, stylists, models, and creatives looking to push boundaries and elevate their visual style. We are no longer taking payments via PayPal - tickets can only be purchased through **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1994252541034)**, **[Humanitix](https://events.humanitix.com/bond-shoot-three-femme-fatale-city-location)** or the **[Print & Pixel website](https://printpixel.org/event/bond-femme-fatale-aug-26/)** Payment must be made before your attendance is confirmed.

COCKLE BAY CIRCLES

Sard shaamein aur chai - Sun 2 Aug

Sard shaamein aur chai :) The location in the app is incorrect (sorry that is the app’s glitch!). Please look for Ambi’s North Sydney.

Central / Surry Hills Classic Film Photography

The challenge for today is to capture street images around Central Station, Belmore Park and Surry Hills. Look for the unusual and let your images tell a story. If you feel comfortable enough you could ask a subject for their portrait. The meet up point is the cafe outside the country platforms at 10 am. It is next to the Eternity Cafe. I would recommend monochrome film at 400 ASA or ISO. Hp 5 by Ilford works well as well as Kodak Tri X. It gives a grain effect similar to mid 20th Century film emulsions. I would consider developing the negatives and getting the images scanned to your computer which you can then upload to the meetup page or Instagram. If you have an image, you particularly like you can pick up the negatives from your camera store later. I would recommend Digi Direct at Bondi Junction or Super 8 at Newtown. It is more challenging using film but that is part of the fun. If you don't own a film camera there are two stores in Newtown that sell refurbished 35 mm film cameras or alternatively you can buy a disposable film camera on line or try the two retail stores I suggested earlier. Why not give it a try as there will be more film events in the future.

PHP/Laravel - 2026 August

Join us at the Cover Genius HQ in Sydney, we have some fantastic talks prepared! Please try and arrive from 5:30pm for pizza & drinks, and a 6pm start, otherwise we'll have to let you up as the elevator will be locked. In this case, please SMS Max on 0466029946 (do not call). *** **Glue Work in the AI Age** \- Jade Edward Agents and an AI augmented SDLC are shining a light on how thinking, talking about, and managing glue work is more important than ever, no matter who needs it or does the work. **Calendars, Dates and Time** \- Nigel James Date Time programming and how to hate it less. *** You can live-stream the meetup here: [https://meet.google.com/vua-tnhc-zxz](https://meet.google.com/vua-tnhc-zxz) Join the PHP Australia Slack: [https://join.slack.com/t/phpaustralia/shared_invite/zt-8t0xmjpz-MVdkkbgtIkek31IzcVVCgA](https://join.slack.com/t/phpaustralia/shared_invite/zt-8t0xmjpz-MVdkkbgtIkek31IzcVVCgA) Join the Australia JS Discord: [https://ausjs.au](https://ausjs.au) We are also always looking for more sponsors, so please reach out if you're interested.August

Claude Certified Consultants: Coffee Catch Up

Thursdays hit different with coffee and good company. Whether you're Claude Certified or still working towards it, pull up a chair, bring your questions or your latest build, and let's talk shop over a brew. You can learn more about us by visiting [https://code.sydney/](https://code.sydney/) and [https://vibecamp.au/](https://vibecamp.au/)

Life Drawing on Saturday MORNINGS in Marrickville with fantastic models

WELCOME IN 2026 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We're back up and running our weekly Saturday life drawing sessions Join us each Saturday for Drawn Together - Sydney life drawing group for a dynamic and inspiring life drawing session in Marrickville. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, this event offers the perfect opportunity to have fun practicing figure drawing a in a supportive and creative environment. Go to our [booking page](https://www.scratchartspace.com/book/#!/Saturday-MORNING-Life-Drawing-Untutored/p/221095835) to see who we have booked to model. Immerse yourself in a morning of creativity and artistry as you sketch, draw, and bring your ideas to life. Connect with fellow art enthusiasts, exchange techniques, and explore the world of life drawing. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your skills, unleash your creativity, and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to creating and perfecting our art. Book online [here](https://www.scratchartspace.com/book/#!/Saturday-MORNING-Life-Drawing-Untutored/p/221095835).

Beer and Pixels - Monthly - 2025

Beer and Pixels is back as usual, on the second Tuesday of the month. At the Off Broadway Hotel. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Got a game, demo or prototype you need people to playtest? Bring it along! Just provide a computer and input device, or a copy of the boardgame or card game you wish to show off, if you are a physical game dev :) Don't have a game to show? No worries! Just come on down, grab a beverage of your choice and play the games on display. See you there! PS: We have a Google Calendar of all Sydney events: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=dXNpcGNlZzRzdGhrZGE5cnF0bDUwMHJlMDhAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ PPS: If you are driving, parking is free after 6pm at the Broadway Shopping Centre. https://www.broadwaysydney.com.au/visit/parking [#BeerAndPixels](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/beerandpixels?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXA1_Gs4GRAZsh55FxkF-C6TQs0cL7M-55eLC0PY3jSLiQIvmXsZYz39rKYw0ltJ6skKgSCCcFoA99W-7NeyX-WKj_Pb3uUHqNtK-RaC0IrJA&__tn__=q)