Embracing a Global Dialogue at the 2025 SEGD Academic Summit

Liz Griswold
Liz Griswold and Joell Angel-Chumbley attending the 2018 SEGD Academic Summit during the 2018 SEGD Conference Experience Minneapolis

A Personal Evolution: From Program Participant to Summit Organizer

Over the course of more than twenty years, my relationship with SEGD has evolved in ways I could scarcely have imagined as a design professional. In those early days, I attended the Academic Summit—always held in person on the day before the main conference—eager to absorb new ideas and revisit the foundations of my practice. Each presentation felt like a return to my roots, reminiscent of late‑night studio critiques and the exhilaration of discovering fresh conceptual approaches.

Reflecting on those gatherings now, I see how much they shaped my perspective: hearing researchers describe new methodologies, watching peers translate theory into tangible prototypes, and engaging in lively debates underscored the collaborative spirit that defines our field. Yet there was always a sense that we were constrained by geography—by who could make the trip, and by the limits of one physical room. Today’s virtual format offers an opportunity we could only dream of a decade ago: to connect with colleagues around the globe. 

Behind the Scenes: Built by Community

Now, having spent two decades in the field, I find myself on the other side of the podium, guiding the planning and development of this event as the Director of Education and Experience at SEGD. This full‑circle moment brings both gratitude and humility. Partnering with visionaries like Joell Angel‑Chumbly, our Academic Task Force Chair, and collaborating with dedicated and introspective Academic Task Force members has reaffirmed that our community’s strength lies in shared commitment.

Together, we have curated a program that embraces avenues for connection and innovation. Ultimately, the essence of the Academic Summit has never been confined to a physical room—it resides in moments of inquiry, dialogue, and discovery. Whether seated in a packed lecture hall or logged in from thousands of miles away, our collective pursuit of deeper understanding remains unchanged, and its potential to rekindle inspiration, spark collaboration, and influence practice is as profound as ever.

SEGD Academic Summit during the 2019 SEGD Conference Experience Austin

Event Overview

SEGD will host its annual 2025 SEGD Academic Summit on June 17 and 18. This free, virtual two‑half‑day event—running from 12:00–5:30 pm ET each day—serves as a dynamic forum for exploring trends in design education research, showcasing innovative projects, and discussing curriculum development.

From an anonymous, peer‑reviewed pool of 33 abstracts, 16 presentations were selected to be showcased at the 2025 SEGD Academic Summit. This rigorous selection process would not have been possible without the dedication of our Academic Task Force, whose members have volunteered their free time over the years to develop and refine the scoring methodology and review process. Their expertise, mentorship, and insights have ensured a fair and critical evaluation of every submission, curating an introspective line‑up that exemplifies excellence in design research. 

Designed for design academics, students, researchers, and design professionals, the SEGD Academic Summit offers an opportunity to engage in multi‑level conversations that will help forge pathways forward for diversity and excellence in design education and professional practice.

  1. Preview – 2025 SEGD Academic Summit Paper: Natural Neighborhoods: Creating Well‑Being for Individuals with ADHD and Autism – Sarah Miorelli

  2. Preview – 2025 SEGD Academic Summit Paper: Creating with Community: Imagining Collaborative, Justice‑Oriented Spaces in our Neighborhoods – Kellyn Nettles

Global Reach, Shared Purpose

One of the hallmarks of the SEGD Academic Summit is the commitment to equitable access through free, virtual delivery. By removing geographic constraints and reducing financial requirements, the event welcomes participants from around the globe—often drawing attendees from more than 15 countries over the two‑day program. This low‑barrier model enables design educators, researchers, students, and design professionals—regardless of institutional resources or location—to engage in cutting‑edge discussions on peer‑reviewed design research, academic innovation, and student design projects. Such wide‑ranging participation will enrich every session, fostering international collaboration, diverse perspectives, and a truly pluriversal dialogue in design education.

Whether tuning in from major metropolitan centers or emerging academic hubs, all attendees will have equal opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to SEGD’s mission of advancing experiential graphic design worldwide—made possible by the passion and volunteer spirit of our Academic Task Force. 

Register Now!

Day 1 – June 17

Day 2 – June 18

Interactive Breakout Sessions

At the close of each day, participants will break into two concurrent sessions to explore distinct topics, providing attendees the opportunity to participate in each topic across the two days:

Topic 1: Is there a Crisis in Higher Education? How do Academics Respond?

Topic 2: State of Cultural Institutions Losing Funding

Moderators will guide each group, incorporating interactive digital tools for collaborative brainstorming or a multimedia digital tour highlighting key resources. These formats allow attendees to engage in thought‑provoking dialogue, share diverse perspectives, and explore problem-solving measures.

Looking Ahead

After the 2025 SEGD Academic Summit concludes, contributing authors will expand their presentations into full manuscripts for inclusion in SEGD’s digital Academic Journal, Communication + Place, which will be published later this year. This journal, along with SEGD professional development and educational resources—conferences, workshops, webinars, white papers, and the annual SEGD Academic Summit—support the advancement of the experience design industry, worldwide.

About the SEGD Academic Task Force

The Academic Task Force is a diverse team of U.S.‑based and international design faculty, researchers, and practitioners dedicated to promoting global academic design education and professional practice.

Academic Task Force Chair

Joell Angel‑Chumbly, Adjunct Faculty, University of Cincinnati DAAP; Communication Design Supervising Lead – EGD, City of Cincinnati DOTE, Architecture + Urban Design

Academic Task Force Members

  • Aija Freimane, Design Researcher, TU Dublin School of Creative Arts; SEGD Riga Chapter, Latvia
  • Angela Iarocci, Professor & Coordinator, Sheridan College, Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
  • George Lim, Lecturer, University of Colorado School of Environmental Design; Founding Partner, Tangram Design
  • Christina Lyons, Professor & Chair, FIT Graduate Exhibition & Experience Design
  • Tim McNeil, Professor, UC Davis Department of Design; Director, UC Davis Design Museum
  • Muhammad Rahman, Assistant Professor, University of Cincinnati DAAP; Assistant Editor, Visible Language
  • Debra Satterfield, Professor of Design, California State University, Long Beach
  • Neeta Verma, Researcher / Designer / Educator
  • Michele Y. Washington, Design Researcher & Strategist

SEGD invites all design academics, students, and researchers to join this vibrant exchange of ideas. Registration is free—secure your spot today and help shape the future of experiential design education.

Register Now!

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