Dream, imagine, think ahead! A designerly way of looking raises the horizon above the ground. 

Exalt’s annual event was held on February 25th, as a shared moment upon which to start an exciting new year.
It was a chance to officially welcome our two new industrial partners: the consulting firm KPMG, and the press group Prisma Media – where a PhD position is open for 2020-21. We are thrilled to have them joined us on board and are happy to see Exalt growing. It is with them and with you that 2020 will see the power of design and imagination spreading, in organizations and society at large.

As a special guest, we had the pleasure to welcome Lady Rachel Cooper, Distinguished Professor of Design Management and Policy at Lancaster University (UK). She gave us an invigorating talk, informed through her rich experience – among others, as founding editor of The Design Journal, founding President of the European Academy of Design and also new President of Design Research Society. The new territories reached by the design discipline over the past decades represent a constant challenge for researchers and practitioners. We need to broaden our vision, foster collaboration, be humble and ambitious.

Intense work session with our PhD candidates!

Cha[lle]nging design – Design has been changing, designers need to be challenged!

Later on, Philippe Picaud (the first Exalt alumni as former Carrefour Design Director) joined the debate. Discussion ranged over design addressing systemic projects, in order to contribute facing global challenges beyond organizational borders. Ongoing research activities run at Exalt point in such direction – in particular, we expect to share very soon the results of a study on how Design Governance and Data Analytics articulate in eco-systemic contexts.

Eventually, the whole Exalt team and guests all together ended up sharing their experiences by the banquet.

Our next occasion to meet will be the 2020 Exalthon on July 8thand 9th – a two-day gathering with presentations, workshops, guests, and surprises. Each year, we welcome external participants… come and join us!