Date: 6th – 8th October 2025
Theme: “Bridging Worlds, Shaping Sustainable Futures”
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
6th – 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
- Abstracts of 250 -300 words.
- 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
- 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)
- 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
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