Program – DO24

In "Convergence: The Symbiotic Future of Design in the Age of AI and Human Ingenuity," Dheeren Velu and Finbar O'Hanlon chart the course of design’s future, where the fusion of human creativity and artificial intelligence signals a new era of innovation. Their narrative weaves a captivating tale from past to present, culminating in a vision where AI extends the realm of the possible, allowing for 'Infinite Artefacts' — design outputs that evolve and respond, marking a departure from static creations to 'living' design elements. As they explore the transformative role of AI in design, Dheeren and Finbar illuminate how these intelligent systems are becoming collaborative partners rather than replacements, catalysing new forms of creativity and artistic expression. They present a world where AI's ability to democratise design is matched by its potential to enrich human ingenuity, culminating in a renaissance of innovation where every artistic endeavour is imbued with a distinct, irreplicable human touch.

In the Dreaming when the earth was soft, the land was occupied by Ancestral beings. They were part animal, plant and human and they travelled up through the earth and across it, shaping the land and leaving behind them tracks of knowledges. This created a network of connected sites and totemic relationships between plants, animals and people, that clan groups had responsibilities to care for. This created a purposeful and clear understanding of the cultural landscape that allowed for the effective management of the environment and the communities living there. These stories were spoken, sung, danced and painted on bodies and etched in objects and reinforced through ceremony and lore. In this worldview there is no separation between art, design, science and the environment. There is a new awakening fuelled by ecological necessity to redesign our future and the relationship that we as people have with nature and each other. We can design our built environments to be a part of the managed landscapes that formed the basis of First Nations ecology since time immemorial. Our objects, interiors and places can be an extension of the Songlines that crisscross this country in every direction and are a web of knowledge embedded inour everyday lives. This New Australian Design, which started over 65,000 years ago will improve the wellbeing of people and create places that ultimately mean more to all of us. It will extend Country, not abrogate it, and it should be created with that in mind – because we are all connected to Country.

Troy King, with his rich background in leadership across various industries and a passion for neuroscience, offers groundbreaking insights into achieving peak performance in professional settings. This presentation will explore the intricate relationship between neuroscience and peak performance, demonstrating how a deep understanding of the human brain can unlock unprecedented levels of creativity, innovation, and functionality in teams and leaders alike. Drawing on his experiences from high-stakes environments and his expertise in neuroscience, Troy will provide actionable strategies to foster a culture that not only values but actively drives peak performance, ensuring the delivery of excellence and innovative outcomes in any endeavor.