Talk & Discussion: De-commoditizing Design

## Details

TUES, January 14 - 6:00 PM EDT
Talk & Discussion: De-commoditizing Design
Event Description
In this talk, we'll explore the recent wave of layoffs in the experience design industry, arguing it's not just an economic downturn or AI causing it, but also companies using this as cover to shed poorly performing departments. We'll critique how designers have contributed to their own vulnerability by prioritizing rapid prototyping over in-depth research, adopting short-term work cycles, and allowing untrained individuals to conduct research. Then, we'll highlight "layoff-proof" skills like foundational research, service design, and systems thinking, which align with long-term strategic needs. We'll conclude by advising designers on how to position themselves for greater job security in a volatile market, emphasizing future-oriented thinking and alignment with stable industries.

Speaker
Cornelius Rachieru is the Founder and Managing Director of Canadian systemic service design consultancy Ampli2de Inc., where he explores his fascination with the politics of design while leading service and system-scale enterprise experience design projects. Over the past 20 years, he has managed a number of large experience design teams as UX practice leader at Deloitte Canada and Shaw Communications, and has consulted in a wide range of industries, from technology to financial services, healthcare, enterprise risk management, autonomous transportation, intellectual property and law. Cornelius is also the chair, co-founder, and creative director of the popular CanUX conference, Canada's largest and longest running annual UX event. A self proclaimed night owl (he is originally from Transylvania), he loves red eye flights and is a nomad at heart.
Agenda

• 6-6:30PM Meet & mingle over food and drink
• 6:30-7:30PM Talk
• 7:30-8:00PM Discussion & networking

Address
Intuit
51 Astor Place
New York, NY 10003
Financial Transparency & Scholarships
As a non-profit, we do our best to strike a balance between making our events available to all and ensuring we keep the lights on. For this event, we are charging $10.

• If this amount is prohibitive for you to attend this event, please message Barry on Meetup and we’ll provide you a scholarship to this event.
• If you’d like to provide scholarships, please message Barry on Meetup and he will follow up with you.

See you there :)
Max, Cassie, Francesco, David, & Barry