Every Thing We Touch

Paula Zuccotti’s Every Thing We Touch and Future Archeology are solo research explorations of the modern world, straddling the fields of anthropology and art through the lens of our possessions. Traveling across the globe, she photographed every object a person touches in a single day—from dawn to dusk—creating vivid and compelling portraits of contemporary life.

Historical artefacts have shaped our understanding of past civilisations, revealing how people lived, worked, played, cooked, and expressed themselves. But what stories will our everyday objects tell future generations? And what can they teach us about ourselves today?

Paula’s research offers profound insights into material culture and human behaviour, with applications across industries ranging from fashion to finance to technology. As a world-renowned expert consultant in ethnographic research, trends forecasting and strategy she leads global projects for major brands, including Google, LVMH, Ikea, Hyundai, Starbucks,

There Is No Spoon

Generative AI can feel astonishingly real, but like the spoon in The Matrix, it is nothing more than an illusion—patterns of probability masquerading as truth. Just like Neo had to bend his mind to see beyond the illusion, we must recognise that AI does not understand, reason, or perceive reality; it just generates plausible facsimiles.

This talk will explore the relationship between humans and generative AI, particularly in the realm of accessibility, where accuracy, clarity, and real-world impact are critical. We’ll examine the risks and limitations, but also the extraordinary potent

The Art & Business of Lettering Design

In this educational and engaging session, award-winning lettering artist, author, and TEDx speaker Martina Flor takes you on an inspiring journey through both the creative and commercial sides of lettering design.

Martina unpacks what it truly takes to create outstanding letterforms – from mastering the fundamentals of the craft to developing a distinctive visual voice.

But creating beautiful work is only part of the equation.

She also shares her personal journey from freelance designer to internationally recognised leader in her field, revealing how focusing on a niche craft—drawing letterforms—led to global collaborations, bestselling books, and a sustainable, purpose-driven business.

Whether you’re a graphic designer, illustrator, or creative entrepreneur, this talk will invite you to rethink your work –and what’s possible when you combine craft with vision.

Curious Findings

An exploration of curiosity – and its role in design

All our lives we hear the word in various forms – as an adjective, a noun, a verb. But what is it? Where does it come from? How does it grow?

Spurred on by a few conversations, a bit of research, and a lot of reflection – we will explore a few stories through which we’ll learn a bit about what it is, how it impacts and informs design, and how you might make it part of your own practice – if you’re curious ;)

Certain Irregularities

Brendan Dawes, a UK-based artist renowned for his innovative use of generative processes, explores the intersection of data, machine learning, and algorithms to craft interactive installations and abstract environments.

In this talk, Dawes will delve into his creative journey, illustrating how he transforms everyday data into thought-provoking art. He will discuss the balance between control and chance in generative systems, the importance of embracing imperfections, and the role of curiosity in the creative process.

Attendees will gain insights into how data can serve as a rich material for storytelling and how generative art can evoke emotional connections.

Less Thinkering More Tinkering

A neon-soaked passion-filled presentation of all things creativity, trying to strike the elusive balance between uncurbed enthusiasm and pragmatic process.

Director & Designer Gavin Strange plots his creative journey through his time in the design and film industry– picking it apart and extracting the lessons and learnings from it all. It’s loud, silly, and hopefully energising. The aim of the game is to convince YOU to make more of the stuff that makes YOUR heart sing.