Date: 5th – 8th October 2025

Design is a transformative practice, refining the rough edges of the world and forging pathways to reshape how we live, work, and connect. In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, design has transcended its traditional focus on form and function, evolving into an aesthetic-driven and emotionally resonant tool for addressing social, cultural, environmental, and economic challenges.

The UG Design Summit embraces interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, unlocking innovative methodologies that seamlessly connect theory with practice. It seeks to bring together designers, innovators, and thought leaders from both developed and developing economies to explore how design can bridge diverse contexts and serve as a catalyst for sustainable, impactful solutions.

Inspired by the metaphor of a potter’s wheel, where the creative process moulds raw ideas into tangible and meaningful innovations. Like clay, design takes shape through the hands of diverse creators spinning on the axis of collaboration, cultural exchange, and shared knowledge. This event offers a platform for participants to collaboratively craft a forward-looking vision for design, one that transcends boundaries to address critical global challenges.

The UG Design Summit is more than just a conference; it is a collaborative journey.  It empowers participants to confront global issues such as climate change, digital transformation, and social inequality through the lens of design-driven innovation. At the same time, it fosters reflection on the deep interconnections between culture, context, and the value of design. By encouraging dialogue, sharing experiences, and building networks, the summit aspires to cultivate a community of practice committed to inclusivity, resilience, and adaptability.

As the world navigates the complexities of the new normal, the UG Design Summit presents a timely opportunity to rethink how we design for the future.  By integrating diverse perspectives and embracing bold, creative ideas, the summit envisions a world where design transcends boundaries, unites communities, leveraging emerging technologies, or creating systems that drives meaningful change. We invite you to join this transformative journey and contribute to shaping a better, more inclusive future for all through the power of design.

CONFERENCE TRACKS

Design Synergies Across Borders

Examining collaborative opportunities & shared challenges between developing & developed economies

  • Collaborative design projects between developing and developed economies
  • Localization vs. globalization: Navigating design for diverse markets
  • Case studies of successful cross-border design partnerships
  • Overcoming economic and infrastructural disparities in design collaboration
  • Leveraging technology to bridge geographic and cultural divides

Culture as a Catalyst for Design:

Leveraging diverse cultural contexts to create meaningful and impactful design solutions

  • Leveraging diverse cultural contexts to create meaningful and impactful design solutions
  • Indigenous knowledge systems and their influence on modern design
  • Designing for cultural preservation and heritage
  • Inclusive design: Addressing diverse user needs and experiences
  • Storytelling through design: The role of narrative in creating meaning
  • Adapting design to reflect the evolving values of societies

Innovative Futures through Design

Exploring how design can address emerging global challenges such as AI,

Digital transformation, Sustainability, Design for Circular Economy

  • Design’s role in shaping AI ethics and user-centric digital experiences
  • Sustainable design practices: From theory to application; Circular economy
  • Human-centered approaches to designing for smart cities and communities
  • The intersection of design and biotechnology for healthcare solutions
  • Strategies for addressing climate change through design-driven innovation

Pedagogy for community solutions

Reimagining education to equip future practitioners with adaptive, global perspectives

  • Teaching adaptability in an era of rapid technological change
  • Integrating interdisciplinary approaches in education design
  • Promoting experiential learning through real-world challenges
  • Using emerging tools like virtual reality and AI in design education
  • Building resilience and ethics in designing community solutions

Knowledge Exchange in the New Normal

Enhancing communication, inclusivity, and accessibility in design knowledge-sharing and collaboration

  • Creating accessible platforms for global design dialogues
  • Designing for remote collaboration in a post-pandemic world
  • Open-source design: Opportunities and challenges for global innovation
  • Building inclusive networks for underrepresented design communities
  • Harnessing digital tools for cross-cultural design workshops and hackathons

IMPORTANT DATES

25th May 2025 – Abstract submission deadline

7th June 2025 – Response for acceptance/Rejection

6th July 2025 – Full paper submission

5th – 8th October 2025 – Summit & Exhibition dates

OTHER SUMMIT ACTIVITIES

GRADUATE COLLOQUIUM

The Graduate Colloquium offers a unique platform for young researchers, PhD, and Master’s students to discuss their ideas with experienced researchers and practitioners.  Organized by DRAW (Design Research Activities Workgroup), the session aims to provide meaningful research efforts, facilitated by The EAST-SPARK to professionalize your supervisory skills

EXHIBITION

The exhibition showcases design innovations from students, practicing designers and innovators, and companies. It offers an excellent opportunity for:

  • Networking with industry professionals.
  • Gaining inspiration from cutting-edge innovations.
  • Exploring potential business propositions.

DESIGN FIREPLACE (EKYOTO)

Ekyoto is an evening design discussion focused on addressing critical issues in African design research. Distinguished design leaders will present forensic insights into key challenges and opportunities.

Target Audience for the UG Design Summit:

Design Practitioners and Professionals, Academics and Researchers, Design Educators, Policy Makers and Development Practitioners, Technology Innovators and Entrepreneurs, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Social Enterprises, Cultural Advocates and Indigenous Leaders, Students and Emerging Designers, Corporate Representatives, Global Development Agencies, Public Sector Representatives.

PAPER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Abstract submission guidelines

  1. Abstracts of 250 -300 words.
  2. Abstracts should be in one continuous paragraph, with up to 5 keywords for online indexing;
  • The names of the author(s), affiliations, postal, email and telephone contacts, should be attached

Abstracts should be emailed to: ugdesign@kyu.ac.ug

Full paper submission guidelines

  1. The full paper should be 3000-8000 words prepared in Times New Roman, size 12 font, spacing of 1.5 and in editable text format (MS Word)
  2. All references cited in the papers should follow the APA 7th Edition Citation Style.

Review Process:

A review panel will double-blind peer review all the submissions. After the review period, we will notify all authors of acceptance or rejection via email. Papers that will satisfy the peer review system will be published in a book by Kyambogo University.

REGISTRATION

Early Bird Registration

9th June – 31st July 2025

Student                                                          USD 20

East Africans (Academic)                            USD 50

East Africans (Non-Academic                    USD 70

Other Nationals (Academic)                      USD 90

Other Nationals (Non-Academic)             USD 100

Normal Registration  

1st August – 5th October 2025

Student                                                         USD 30

East Africans (Academic)                            USD 70

East Africans (Non-Academic)                   USD 100

Other Nationals (Academic)                      USD 100

Other Nationals (Non-Academic)             USD 120

Online presentation                                    USD 70

EXHIBITION

The 3day exhibition will be opened concurrently with paper presentations, to facilitate synchronization of theory and practice.

EXHIBITION CHARGES

EXHIBITORS                                   UGX                            USD   

Local & international                    250,000              69

Stud. from other Univ.                  70,000                19

Kyambogo Univ. Students            FREE

Physical Booth Inclusions:  Power source, Exhibitor’s brand name, Table & 2 chairs

DISCLOSURE: 

UG design Exhibition Management reserves the right to add, modify, enhance or delete any guideline, rule, and/or policy. All guidelines, rules and policies will be applied equally and fairly to all exhibitors.

PAYMENTS

Pay: Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited

Through: USD Account Number 04096521

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas New York, NY

Swift Code: BKTRUS33

ABA: 021001033

Kyambogo University Branch

A/C 9030003226521

Kyambogo University United States Dollar Account

SWIFT Code: SBICUGKX

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT

Martha Ainembabazi     0786387410

Note:  After payment, submit proof of payment to the secretariat

Registration, design exhibition payments, Accommodation for international participants and any further information, contact:

 SECRETARIAT

Martha Ainembabazi  – +256 704023222 / +256 786387410
Oscar Ouni  – +256 777949940 / +256 704774005

CONVENER

Dr. Emmanuel Mutungi
Email emutungi@kyu.ac.ug, ugdesign@kyu.ac.ug
Website: www.kyu.ac.ug

DOWNLOAD SUMMIT POSTER: UG Design Summit (PDF)

 

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