Imagine this: 10 visionary designers, 10 big questions, one dynamic live discussion—and a freshly printed booklet handed to you just 24 hours later. That’s right. At Design Matters 24, we pulled off what can only be described as design magic: creating, compiling, and printing a special edition Round Table Discussion booklet so fresh, the ink was still drying.
What’s inside? Decades of collective experience, career-changing lessons, and bold thoughts on where the design industry is heading next. It’s a booklet that captures not only the past, present, and future of design but also the energy of the live discussion itself— with a beautifully illustrated cover by Joy Richu, who worked her magic in real-time.
Grab your metaphorical seat at the table and let’s take a sneak peek inside.
10 Designers, 10 Questions, 1 Booklet
To celebrate 10 years of Design Matters, we knew we had to do something special—something that brought the community together, inspired new ideas, and honored the brilliant designers who have shaped our journey.
We invited 10 exceptional designers, each of whom has spoken at Design Matters over the past decade, to answer 10 reflective and thought-provoking questions. From pivotal career moves to industry predictions, this discussion was designed to educate, entertain, and push us all to think a little deeper. The result? A Round Table Discussion unlike any other.
As the designers shared their stories, illustrator Joy Richu captured the energy of the moment live. Her art graces the cover of this one-of-a-kind booklet, making it both a source of inspiration and a piece of design history. And here’s the kicker: just 24 hours after the live discussion wrapped, the booklet was printed, bound, and handed out to attendees at the conference. Talk about hot off the press!
The Questions That Got Us Talking
At the heart of the Round Table Discussion were 10 questions—big, bold questions that dug into the successes, struggles, and wisdom gained over the years. Questions like:
- What was your biggest smart career move?
- How have your priorities changed over the decade?
- What does the design industry need now—and in the future?
- What advice would you give your younger self?
These questions acted like creative dynamite, sparking stories of failures turned into lessons, career-defining leaps of faith, and reflections on the ever-changing landscape of design.
Live Round Table Discussion Highlights
While you’ll want to savor every page of the booklet, here are a few standout themes and insights that emerged:
1. The Power of Quitting
Vicki Tan reminded us that quitting isn’t failure—it’s growth. Walking away from situations that no longer serve you can open up incredible opportunities. It’s not about giving up; it’s about making space for the right things.
2. Failure is a Lesson, Not a Setback
Basak Haznedaroglu hit the nail on the head: failure teaches perspective. Whether it’s a project that goes sideways or a skill you struggle with, every setback can help you grow if you approach it with the right mindset.
3. Prioritize Balance, Not Burnout
From Peter Gregersen’s seasonal landscaping to Michael König’s focus on empowering teams, the discussion highlighted how balance—both in work and life—fuels creativity. Burnout helps no one.
4. Future-Proofing Design: From AI to Sustainability
Designers today are facing massive changes—especially with AI disruption looming. Batsi Madzonga and Michelle Chin emphasized the importance of staying human-focused, thoughtful, and ethical as we navigate these advancements. Technology is powerful, but empathy and responsibility will always be at the core of great design.
The Booklet a Limited-Edition
What makes this booklet so special? It’s not just a summary of insights—it’s a tangible record of a conversation that reflects where the design industry has been, where it is today, and where it’s headed next.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
- 10 Interviews: Each designer answers the 10 questions, sharing personal stories, lessons learned, and advice for future designers.
- Live Recap: A summary of the key themes and insights that emerged during the discussion, highlighting the collective wisdom of the group.
- Joy Richu’s Cover Art: A stunning visual interpretation of the discussion, drawn live and brought to life as the face of this limited-edition booklet.
And while the discussion itself was full of laughter, vulnerability, and “aha!” moments, the booklet ensures that these takeaways can be revisited again and again.
Why It Matters
The Round Table Discussion wasn’t just a celebration of Design Matters’ 10-year anniversary—it was a reminder of why we design, why we learn, and why we come together as a community.
It brought together leaders like Rahul Sen, who encouraged us to simplify the complex; Tiziana Alocci, who championed authenticity and quality over quantity; and Michael König, who showed us how to align design with strategy to create real impact.
These lessons aren’t just for seasoned professionals. They’re for anyone—whether you’re an aspiring designer trying to kick-start your career or a team leader looking to empower your colleagues.
The booklet bridges generations of designers, sharing insights that are as relatable as they are inspiring.
Grab Your Seat at the Table
If you were lucky enough to get your hands on this limited-edition gem at Design Matters 24, hold onto it, it’s a piece of design history.
If you didn’t—Don’t worry—you can still grab a seat at the table.
We are now sharing the booklet with you, ensuring that the takeaways can reach every designer, wherever you are in your career. So grab your metaphorical seat at the table and take a peek inside.
As we look to the next decade, the designers at the Round Table left us with one key message: design is more than just a job. It’s a responsibility. Whether you’re pushing pixels, leading teams, or navigating the next big disruption, stay human-centered, stay curious, and never stop learning.
All images are taken by photographer Lars Schmidt at Design Matters 24 in Copenhagen
