Attending the International Design Conference for the first time (on its 9th run) has made me realize yet again that design is not just about aesthetics or function, it is deeply tied to purpose, resilience, and humanity. It affirms how I define design, especially visual design, as something that is crucial for communication. One of the recurring messages I noted was the importance of making design matter. Jen Horn’s reminder (morning session facilitator) that this should not be “just another conference” challenged me to think about how design can create meaningful impact, not just temporary solutions.
I was struck by the idea that design is about communication. The example of Typhoon Yolanda, where people did not evacuate because terms like “storm surge” were unclear, shows how failure in communication can cost lives. As a person involved in the creative industry, a visual designer for the most part of my life and still designing now, this reminded me that clarity and empathy must guide my work.
Another theme that stood out was creativity as growth through change, and even adding a bit of craziness into it. I was reminded of the phrase “embrace the cringe” from one of the Graphika Manila sessions I was also grateful to attend. The concept of composting and composing highlights that even decay or mistakes can be transformed into something valuable. It echoed the idea that where there is growth, there is also loss, but both are part of the process. As a creator who often composes artworks and, at the same time, a composting enthusiast who does home indoor composting, this idea was very relatable to my daily life.
The discussions on climate vulnerability resonated with me personally. To view vulnerability not as weakness but as strength means acknowledging our collective fragility while finding power in shared stories and community. In the same way, personal disasters or struggles can lead us from being in a “hole” to becoming “whole.” I wrote in my notes: “I’m not yet whole, in fact, I’m still finding the pieces of what will build me.” This perfectly captures my journey: still incomplete, but learning to piece together growth, purpose, and creativity. Using the metaphor of a hole, I probably still have a lot of holes. This part of the session made me reflect on the question they asked the panel: “What was the personal heartbreak that led you to what you are doing now?” In my life I feel like I have experienced a lot of heartbreak, so many losses that through the years I didn’t think I’d still be here now. I am not looking forward to any more heartbreak, but inevitably, every day we will face pain and heartbreaks. It’s inevitably part of the process of “making,” which was discussed in part 2 of the day.
Finally, the reminder that “education is also design” encouraged me to think about how learning is itself a design process: mapping things out, connecting the dots, and shaping pathways for others. As a creative educator, this hits home because every webinar I do where I get to interact with learners, both young and life-experienced, makes me happy to think that in some way I am able to help them “design their life” by sharing my insights and experiences.
Overall, this conference reminded me that design is not separate from life’s struggles, disasters, or climate challenges. Instead, it is a way to make sense of them, to turn heartbreak into growth, and to communicate stories that matter.
There was so much learning. To be honest, it’s hard to condense everything. The day was fulfilling not just for my creative self but even for my tummy. There were three meals throughout the day to ensure “walang attendee na magugutom.” Being in the conference, I also met a lot of people, got to bask in creative energy, and did a little creative aura farming lol.
Overall, I would like to congratulate DTI and the team behind the 9th year. The International Design Conference (IDC) stands as the Philippines’ premier platform for design innovation.
This was my first time attending, and to be honest, I hope to be able to attend yearly. Thank you to the sponsors who also helped make it happen, especially Canva, whose local efforts to help the Philippine creative industry flourish are deeply embedded in me.
It was a great day with a lot of learning, so I’d like to share my reflection for the first part:
Reflection on the International Design Conference – Theme: Break
One of the most striking moments of the conference was Prof. Eisuke Tachikawa’s first session on Break, where he shared stories of heartbreak rooted in environmental disasters such as typhoons and floods. His talk reminded me that design is not only about aesthetics or functionality, it can also be a tool for survival and resilience.
What resonated most with me was his insight on how communication can mean the difference between life and death during natural disasters. He compared the tragedy of Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban with the Great Tohoku Earthquake in Japan, highlighting how language shaped people’s responses. In Tacloban, the term storm surge was used, a phrase that did not clearly convey the magnitude of the threat. Many residents assumed that staying inside their homes would be enough. In contrast, the word tsunami immediately signals danger and the need to flee to higher ground.
This simple but powerful example showed me how critical words and messaging are in mobilizing communities. It also underscored the role of collaboration between government, media, and local communities in ensuring that communication is clear, relatable, and effective.
For me, this was not only a lesson about disaster preparedness but also about the broader responsibility of design: to translate complex issues into something people can understand, act on, and connect with emotionally. Prof. Tachikawa’s talk made me realize that good design, at its core, should always serve people and help safeguard their well-being.
Professor Eisuke, with his humorous way of using “It’s okay” as a mnemonic for us to easily remember his name, also shared many sustainable ideas and projects he was part of, like “Huskey.” It’s a circular agricultural startup developing rice husk carbonization equipment to contribute to sustainable farming. This reminded me of a past project when I was collaborating with Michico Oranga. It has been years since we worked together, but the session reminded me that in small ways I too have made an impact. In fact, I was so touched I sent Chico a message that seemed so random and out of nowhere haha!
Part 2 of the day was to Make, and the last part (Part 3) was to Transform. To become.
To be honest, I probably have a long way to go. I’m happy I can continue making, to design, to create small ripples in the creative industry. I feel I am still in the process of becoming, still in the process of transformation. I wrote a personal manifesto, but to be honest, I feel like my soul and body were probably separate when I was writing it, because I realize (or maybe it’s just my anxiety of the future) that it’s something I want to become in the future, but the path to get there is still pretty far. In Filipino we say, “marami pa akong kakainin na bigas.”
But again, thank you DTI and the team behind the 9th year of the International Design Conference (IDC). You have pinched my creative heart, and in one day you gave me fuel to keep on going.
P.S. You know I was coffee-fueled because I hadn’t slept yet when I attended, but I really wanted to be there, and I’m glad I did. I met people, and with my caffeine-powered brain, I felt like I kept rambling the thoughts hidden at the bottom of my heart. To be honest, I’m still feeling kinda lost in life, and if you’ve been following me for some time, you know I’m still in a transition. The thought of the future hasn’t really been giving me a sense of security. But at the end of the day I feel like I found and picked up important things and reflection. For me the event was a success and a mission accomplished in my book, and that’s probably why I ended up rambling when I was introducing myself to people, as well as rambling in this article, because I feel like I can’t even write enough. The day was that fulfilling and I’m glad I pushed to attend through rain, shine and powered by coffee 😉 I hope this article will also be something good to read if it makes it in front of your eyes!
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