Day 1: 19 Nov 2025

Day-1: 19 November 2025

Day-1 Topic: Using HCD+ to reposition designers through education to become facilitators of change in business, community and planet.

How can we prepare designers to become changemakers, not just in creative industries but across business, community and sustainability? Day 1 explores how HCD+ transforms education into a catalyst for systems thinking, empathy and leadership. More than technical training, design education becomes a foundation for purpose-driven action. By embedding HCD+ into learning pathways, we nurture a new generation of designers equipped to challenge norms, lead with values and drive meaningful transformation across society.

DNDA25 Summit Features:

• HCD+ “LEARN”: Gain insights from experts, changemakers, industry leaders and thought leaders shaping sustainable and inclusive futures.

• HCD+ “DESIGN”: Shape your own conference experience, contribute to key discussions, and reflect on how design influences your life.

• HCD+ “CONNECT”: Connect with changemakers, exchange ideas and build new collaborations in an engaging, purpose-driven environment.

• HCD+ “EXECUTE”: Leave with a clear call to action, including ways to implement innovation strategies in your organisation or community.

DNDA Award Ceremony & Dinner

The DNDA Award Ceremony recognises early-career practitioners and educators advancing HCD+. Four awards will be presented: Excellence, for projects that strongly reflect HCD+ and demonstrate potential to advance the SDGs; Promising, which encourages the continued growth of emerging ideas; Education, which celebrates programmes that nurture the next generation of HCD+ leaders; and Organisation, which honors organisations that officially support HCD+ societal projects. 

The evening includes a networking dinner and cultural performances that highlight Singapore’s creative diversity, providing space for connection, reflection and inspiration through design.

Programme Breakdown of Day 1: