Business Thinking for Designers

As AI makes it easier to generate design outputs, the value of designers is shifting beyond execution alone. Yet many designers were never taught how organizations make decisions, how design creates business value, or how to communicate their impact to stakeholders. If designers want greater influence and resilience in their careers, they need to learn to speak the language of business without abandoning the values that make design unique. 2-3 things you will walk away with: - Practical business concepts every designer should understand.- Strategies for communicating design work to stakeholders and decision-makers.- Practical ways to position design as a strategic capability rather than a production function that AI can easily replace. Speaker Bio: Roberta Schultz is an Assistant Professor of Design at NSCAD University, where she teaches human-centred design, digital experiences, and contemporary design issues. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Management at Dalhousie University, exploring how design, systems thinking, and management can be leveraged to improve access to youth mental health services in Nova Scotia. Prior to academia, Roberta worked in marketing, communications, and design roles with organizations including Volta, Centennial College, and Royal LePage.