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Design and Technology Join Forces at solidThinking’s Converge 2017

As designers, we think and act in ways that vary greatly from scientists, engineers and even other types of designers we typically don’t encounter in our day-to-day lives. But what would happen if we bridged the communication gap between students and professionals working at the intersection of design and technology? Working across industries yields better parts, products, manufacturing and business, but how do we connect the dots to make these connections happen in real life? solidThinking aims to explore these concepts and more at Converge, their one day conference focusing on exploring the relationships between design and technology.

Unlike many user-group type conferences, solidThinking’s focus with the Converge conference is more about bringing a wide range of industry professionals together and less about product promotion. Last year’s diverse attendee list included industrial designers, product designers, engineers, architects, scientists and experience designers, and this year is expected to have an even wider range.

Oh, and did we mention it’s completely free?

This year’s keynote speaker list is still growing, but there are a few currently on the lineup that we’re particularly excited about. It’s important to note that none of this year’s keynote speakers use solidThinking software at work, further showing that Converge’s focus is genuinely centered on designing a better world, together.

Jason Lopes

If you’ve ever wondered about the connection between design and engineering in the entertainment industry, Jason Lopes is your man. Working as a software engineer for over 10 years, Lopes specialized in bridging the gap between 2D/3D data and additive manufacturing. 

Prior to his current role at Carbon, Lopes worked as the lead systems engineer at Legacy Effects, where he worked on some films you may be familiar with. Some of his credits include Avatar, Terminator Salvation, Alice and Wonderland, and Iron Man 1, 2 and 3, just to name a few.

Timothy Prestero  

Founder/CEO of Design that Matters and friend of Core77 Timothy Prestero’s diverse background in both for-profits and nonprofits includes his current role, his time in the Peace Corps and working on the board of two for-profit companies. 

In his Converge presentation, How can a Few People on a Shoestring Budget Save a Million Lives?, Prestero will explain how even small design firms with limited resources can prevent an enormous amount of human suffering.

Tim Morton

Tim Morton’s eclectic design background includes working with companies like Dell, Rubbermaid Commercial and LEGO Group—talk about a diverse career.

At Converge, Morton will give a keynote talk titled How to Build a Rocket, where he’ll discuss the merger between Newell Rubbermaid and Jarden, joining forces to create the Newell Brands conglomerate. How does a design team in this situation partner to continue to inspire consumers, create engaging experiences and deliver upon the promise it set out to accomplish across more than 40 brands?

After listening to these industry leaders and more speak on the importance of technology and design working hand in hand, the event will conclude with pretty sweet party, from what we hear. solidThinking hopes the free conference will inspire the next generation of designers to work together for a better world, and of course, we’re hoping it will too. See you in September!

Want to attend Converge 2017? Learn more and register for the free conference here.