#Japan #Tokyo #STUDIO ZERO #X Design Forum #Dancing with the Times

Event Report: The 13th X Design Forum - 'Dancing with the Times'

On September 7, 2025, the 13th X Design Forum: 'Dancing with the Times' was held at the Plaid office in GINZA SIX, attracting nearly 80 participants. This event was organized by the X Design School and the X Design Institute and featured engaging activities that highlighted the intersection of design and contemporary society.

The day began with a Research Workshop where participants engaged in hands-on learning through three distinct themes. Each workshop was designed for smaller groups, allowing for intimate communication between attendees and facilitators, enriching their learning experiences.

Overview of the Workshop Program

• - 10:00-12:00 Research Workshop: 'Dancing with the Times'
• - 13:00-13:40 Keynote Speech: 'Dancing with the Times: Anthropology and Design'
• - 13:40-15:00 Special Session: 'Dancing with the Times: Design and Career Adaptability'
• - 15:10-17:00 Open Session (Oral and Poster Presentations)
• - 17:10-18:40 Networking Session

Research Workshops

Workshop 1: Approaching Personal Vision Formulation

Led by Tsukasa Sasaki, a designer and design skills researcher, this workshop focused on personal vision formation in unpredictable times. Participants utilized questions drawn from 'The Artist's Way' to introspect on their passions and practiced 'prototyping' their visions. By the end of the session, attendees planned concrete steps toward their visions, with many noting how this experience transformed abstract concepts into tangible goals.

Workshop 2: What Can We Do for Those Close to Us?

Facilitated by Soshi Hara, this workshop was a unique exercise encouraging participants to think of ways to help those around them. Utilizing a card game for introductions, participants quickly identified new perspectives to support loved ones. Feedback from attendees highlighted that the workshop deepened their bonds and revealed surprising facets of those they love.

Workshop 3: Introduction to Prototyping - Creating Moving Toys

Under the guidance of Kumiko Hirama, participants dived into electronic prototyping. Even those with no prior experience successfully created simple, functioning toys using basic electronic parts. Each toy showcased individual creativity, and the feedback received from Hirama reinforced the importance of prototyping in product development.

Main Session: 'Dancing with the Times'

The afternoon main session was conducted in a hybrid format, connecting the physical venue to online participants, ensuring widespread engagement.

Keynote Speech by Yasunobu Ito

Yasunobu Ito’s keynote centered on how design must adapt to the shifting tides of contemporary society. He examined the influences of generative AI, post-pandemic changes, and complex value systems, positing definitions of both 'dancing design' and 'non-dancing design' from an anthropological perspective. His insights encouraged designers to rethink creativity in a rapidly changing world.

Special Session: Career Adaptability in Design

This session featured discussions led by Makoto Tomita, Kazuma Taguchi, Sadatomi Minomitsu, and Naoko Misawa, who shared insights on how designers can remain adaptable in evolving technological landscapes. They provided concrete examples, discussing the implications for career development and the application of design thinking within organizations.

Open Session Highlights

During the open session, participants presented various design practices and research themes through oral and poster presentations. Notable presentations included topics on UX/CX design, organizational design culture, and the relationship between design and AI.

Moreover, attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with presenters during poster sessions, promoting interactive discussions about their research.

After the event concluded, an impromptu networking session occurred, allowing participants to share insights gained throughout the day. This forum served as a testament to how design transcends specific sectors, influencing personal growth, relationships, and social change.

Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, Studio Zero plans to continue its collaboration with the X Design School to foster the application of design culture in organizational and regional development. Expect more enlightening events in the future.

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