Design Assembly is delighted to present our Spring Conversations panel discussion series for September 2022. Design For Everybody will invite 3 local creatives, (or creative adjacent individuals) to engage in an authentic discussion and Q&A about inclusion in the creative industry;

What does it mean to be inclusive in design?
What is 'lived experience' and how does it affect our work?
How can we collectively make better design for everyone?

Our Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) panellists:

Raymond Tiong — Xero

Ray is a designer-turned-researcher based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). After experimenting with graphic design, art history, and innovation strategy, he discovered his calling in UX research – where he uses evidence, logic, and intuition to influence digital product experiences. When he's not giving unsolicited work advice as the de facto career counsellor for his friends, he's maintaining his creative edge by curating the perfect set of memes and GIFs for every occasion.

Q Walker — Paperkite

Q Walker (they/them) is the Experience Lead at PaperKite, a digital product / tech agency based in Wellington. Q passionately specialises in UX research and strategy, and has never quite let go of their graphic design roots - which is a good thing, because they also lead a cross-disciplinary team of researchers, designers, and marketers. Q is also a musician, actor, public speaker, horror movie aficionado, tightwire walker, and avid gardener, and has been described as a walking exclamation point.

Tamsin Ewing — Department of Internal Affairs

Tamsin is a Content Designer with a passion for web accessibility at Te Tari Taiwhenua, the Department of Internal Affairs, where she works in the Digital Public Service branch. She has over 10 years’ experience delivering digital projects in the public sector. Her mahi is informed by principles in design thinking methodology, design facilitation, service design, UX research, and digital accessibility. Tamsin is committed to improving the experience of web content for disabled people, and delivering clear, useful online information and services that are accessible to all.

Kelsey Thomson — Optimal Workshop

Kia ora! Ko Kelsey ahau. I'm a researcher, people person and connector of ideas. By day I'm the Head of Research at Optimal Workshop, and by night you can find me with a good book, playing video games, or wandering around forests admiring the beauty that is Aotearoa.

Ash Prier — Wrestler

Ash Prier leads creative direction across the diverse range of global and local clients and projects at Wellington agency, Wrestler. Ash's multidisciplinary approach leverages her art direction background with a strong strategic mind, to create narratives and meaningful experiences that connect humans with brands, and help to challenge perspectives, empower audiences and create fans. With a drive to incorporate social and environmental responsibility into her work, Ash loves now being in a position to bring her international experience in design and direction to contribute to and collaborate with the community in Pōneke with the impact of creativity.

Thanks to our Design Assembly Partners BookPrint, mychillybin, Portfolio, Rocketspark and Streamtime. Event artwork by Lindsay Yee and Abhi Topiwala

Not in Auckland? Check out our Auckland and Christchurch Spring Conversations.
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