Service Design: The Next Generation > How Next Gen is Shaping the Future of SD

What does the Future of Service Design look like and who’s designing it?

Join us for an energizing conversation with a diverse group of early- and mid-career service designers as they share what it means to enter, grow, and redefine the SD discipline in 2025 and beyond.

From unconventional paths and emerging industries to gaps in education and the impact of AI, we’ll unpack what’s working, what’s missing, and where we go next.

Whether you’re a student, a career switcher, a hiring manager, or a senior practitioner, this event will offer fresh insights into how service design is quickly evolving and how we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for the field.

Topics we’ll discuss:

• How today’s designers are breaking into the field, from UX to systems thinking to self-taught
• What’s missing from Service Design education, and how it can be reimagined
• The rise of new interests: Sustainability, public sector innovation, AI, health, and more
• How junior designers are building skills, finding mentors, and navigating an unclear path
• Honest reflections on job stability, design ethics, imposter syndrome, and undervaluation
• How early-career designers want to reshape culture, workflows, and team dynamics
• The communities, tools, and platforms helping new designers stay inspired and connected

Whether you're a curious newcomer to Service Design or an experienced leader who wants to better support new talent, this session is a chance to hear directly from the people stepping into the field, and stepping up to shape its future. Let’s explore what’s next together.

A little bit about our virtual panel:
• Lea Sevsek, Young Talent Board Lead, Service Design Network
• Katrina Stropkay, Service Design Lead, Slalom
• Julia Dinoto, Service Design Lead, Slalom
• Naman Mandhan, Service Design Lead, Slalom

> We will have a moderated live Q&A session for all attendees who wish to ask specific questions to our panel.

> Tuesday August 26, Noon (US CT)

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