Women in Design Deep Dive 2023
March 29-30, 2023
Chicago, IL
The Women in Design Deep Dive 2023 marked the 7th annual Women in Design event hosted by IDSA. The two-day experience was the perfect setting for 150+ attendees to share knowledge, develop lasting connections, and celebrate the successes of women, nonbinary folks, and allies in the industrial design field.
Event Reflections
“After returning from the 7th annual Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) Women in Design Deep Dive in Chicago, I am still feeling the energy and inspiration from the event. The atmosphere was incredibly welcoming and supportive, and attendees from all backgrounds came together to celebrate the work of women in design and inspire each other for the year ahead. The sense of camaraderie at the event was palpable. Women, nonbinary folks, and our allies came together in solidarity to support one another and advance equity in the industry. As designers, we have a responsibility to create products and experiences that are inclusive and representative of diverse audiences, and the Women in Design Deep Dive reminded us of the importance of this work. As someone who hosts and organizes this conference, I can say that this is both the most important and joyful work that I do. It is vital that we continue to strive towards equity in the industry and invite the next generation to be part of creating the IDSA of the future. I met so many incredible young designers who I have no doubt will be central to shaping the future of the design industry, and I can’t wait to see their careers grow and flourish over the coming year. Did you attend the event? I’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can create an even more engaging and inclusive event in the future. Didn’t get the chance to attend? I’d love to hear your thoughts too! Let’s continue to support and uplift women in design and work towards a more equitable future!”
– Caterina Rizzoni, IDSA
At-Large Director of Conferences & Board of Directors, IDSA
Event Highlights
Interactive sessions and hands-on activities sparked meaningful connections
Virtual and in-person attendees participated in dynamic and interactive surveys, had the opportunity to pose questions to the speakers, and were inspired to expand their professional networks by actively connecting with fellow guests. Through these immersive experiences, participants were empowered to share ideas, learn from one another, and grow as professionals.
Speakers discussed topics concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion in the design sector
Our speakers brought a diverse range of experiences and perspectives to the table, exploring topics such as identifying and overcoming biases, designing inclusively, and creating equitable design teams. These discussions fostered critical conversations and promoted a deeper understanding of current issues in design.
The event fostered a supportive and inclusive community environment
The conference created an atmosphere of respect, empathy, and support where participants engaged in open and honest conversations about their experiences. Sessions and activities promoted connection and understanding that extended beyond the event.
In-person guests enjoyed an exclusive inside look at Chicago's vibrant design scene
Industrial design studio MINIMAL opened their doors to welcome in-person conference attendees for a tour of their +10k sqft Chicago studio. Guests enjoyed an immersive experience, getting an inside look at MINIMAL’s design process and seeing firsthand some of their latest projects and prototypes.
Speaker Takeaways
What Attendees Had to Say
“A truly priceless experience whether it’s all the new connections, incredible learnings from other speakers, or the absolutely electric vibe of being with everyone in Chicago.”
– Ginger Woo, IDSA, Fluke Corp.
“It was very motivating and inspirational to see so much talent together and having the chance to talk and learn from them.”
– Daniela Garcia, GE Appliances
“The discussions were not only eye-opening but also enlightening and motivating, inspiring attendees to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of design.”
– Miranda Degg, IDSA, Teague
“The sense of belonging you feel is powerful and contagious. Everyone there was giving their full attention and was EXTRA open to starting a conversation with anyone. All point of views were heard and accepted, even when they didn’t sound like the old-fashioned design principles, and why? because WID is a group that pushes for equitable, innovative, sustainable, and powerful design.”
“I’m walking away excited, refreshed and hopeful! Thank you IDSA and all the amazing women I met and had the chance to connect with–you are all truly an inspiration! I’m even more excited to take my new perspectives and knowledge back to work and share it with my colleagues.”
– Kristin Bridza, IDSA, Neon Carrot
“Me and 23 other students from WMU Richmond Institute for Design and Innovation got to travel to Chicago to hear from amazing speakers and connect with women in the design industry. It was inspiring to hear words of drive and passion for this industry and to get to feel such a sense of community!”
– Mara Iott, WMU
Sponsors & Media Partners
Content Team
Our thanks go the amazing volunteer team, who have been working hard to curate the most inspiring event content for you.
Speakers
Thank you to our talented speakers who shared innovative ideas, challenged our perspectives, and shared valuable insights on inclusivity, diversity, and best practices in the field of design.
Auburn University
University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Emcee
Arizona State University
Western Michigan University
Lenovo
Meta | Emcee
Elham Morshedzadeh, Ph.D., IDSA
University of Houston
Kimberly-Clark
Ernst & Young
Verena Paepcke-Hjeltness, IDSA
Iowa State University
Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman, IDSA
Interwoven Design Group
Axe Bat
ArtCenter College of Design
MNML
Museum of Science and Industry
Fluke
A gathering to share the tools and skills for designing more equitably, and celebrate the contributions, talents, successes, and initiatives of women, nonbinary folks, and allies in the industrial design industry.
Now in its 7th consecutive year, the IDSA Women in Design Deep Dive empowers the design community to push towards reaching parity for all gender identities within Industrial Design. Created in partnership with the Women in Design Committee, this event is the community’s chance to gather and celebrate the growing network of women in design across the country. Together, attendees will share knowledge and expertise, and build lasting networks across the industry.
We’re growing awareness and generating excitement for the contributions of the best of women and nonbinary folks in design. Hear from top industry experts who are forging their own paths and energizing the next generation of designers. Broaden your perspective by hearing from speakers whose unique intersectional experiences create exciting and new ways of creating, collaborating, and designing together. By creating a space for open discussion and critical conversations on the role of gender in design, this gathering represents the continuation of IDSA’s longstanding commitment to Women in Design.
This event is a chance for designers and allies to gather and connect, opening each others’ eyes to new perspectives and new possibilities. Over the two day event, you’ll build communities, networks, and relationships that will support you throughout the year. You’ll come away with actionable insights and takeaways that will help you create better, more equitably designed products – and better, more equitable design teams. How do we identify our biases? How can we practice design more inclusively? Whether you’re a design leader or a recent grad, this gathering is our chance to explore these questions and more, together and in person! We can’t wait to see you there.
Everyone is welcome (kiddos too!)
Designers and creatives of all genders are invited to explore the challenges faced by women in design today, and generate meaningful solutions for inclusivity and gender parity in the workplace. As creative professionals and change-makers in industry, it is our responsibility to question the status quo and contribute to building new norms for our profession.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
The Design Foundation’s Event Access program offers college students who are underrepresented in industrial design—primarily BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), female-identified, non-binary, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse and individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities—complimentary access in the form of free admission to events produced by the Industrial Designers Society of America.
Page Navigation
Location & Venue
We are thrilled to return to Chicago, IL and the historic Palmer House (a Hilton hotel) for this event. The Palmer House celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2021 and has hosted a long list of prominent figures including U.S. Presidents, Charles Dickens, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, and Oscar Wilde. In recent years the historic hotel has undergone a $170 million renovation to include all of the modern conveniences and comforts guests expect while also preserving our significant history.
Book your stay
The entire event will happen in this location. The Palmer House is located at 17 East Monroe Street Chicago Illinois 60603.
We’ve arranged for an exclusive discounted room rate for guests traveling to Chicago from other cities. Make your reservations before February 24, 2023 to lock in the best rate.
Parking
Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct applies to all IDSA event attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, vendors and guests. It pertains to the physical spaces where in-person gatherings are held as well as the virtual platforms used during the event.
IDSA events provides a welcoming environment regardless of gender and expression, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, or religion (or lack thereof).
We do not tolerate harassment or inappropriate behavior in any form. Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- Sexual language and imagery in talks or workshops (unless otherwise approved or is part of the session’s announced subject matter)
- Sexual language and imagery at parties or on social media
- Derogatory comments related to gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, or technology choices
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, or harassing of attendees, speakers, or organizers, whether through messaging, comments, images, or recordings
- Sustained disruption of talks or other events
Leave space for dialogue
At IDSA events, deep listening is our way to interact in inclusive ways. Allow time and space for everyone to share their thoughts during workshops or other small groups. While pauses in conversation can feel uncomfortable or unnatural for some, leaving space allows second-language speakers as well as more introverted and introspective individuals to gather their thoughts.
For virtual events: When you do speak, please use video if your connection allows, as non-verbal communication can aid in clearer and more inclusive communication between individuals. Please stay on mute unless speaking.
Network respectfully and support others
Meeting new people is a central part of the IDSA experience. As such, many people will be interacting and contacting each other for the first time. Please be respectful of others and do not overstep boundaries. If you see someone you’d like to connect with and you share a mutual connection, consider asking the mutual party to provide the introduction.
_________
Anyone found to be violating this Code of Conduct is subject to removal from the event and its related activities without a refund. Sole discretion to remove an individual resides with the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), the conference organizers.
Health & Safety
Your well-being is IDSA’s top priority. Here is what we are doing to protect your health and peace of mind so you can focus on getting the most out of the event:
Masks while indoors will not be required, but recommended, for all in-person attendees and speakers
Up-to-date vaccines and boosters are recommended
Sanitation stations will be set up throughout the venue