Summary
At the opening of the Civic Design Conference, Lou Rosenfeld welcomes attendees and emphasizes the importance of civic design as a growing field that spans various governmental levels and organizations. He encourages active participation in the ongoing conversation rather than passive observation, suggesting that the conference is not merely a series of presentations but a community exchange. Bria Alexander, the emcee, introduces the agenda which includes three thematic focuses: reflecting on the past decade, shifting power structures in design, and interactions beyond screens. Both speakers address the importance of utilizing digital platforms for engagement and emphasize the value of community interaction throughout the conference days. Various logistical details, including times, technical support, and code of conduct, are provided to enhance attendees' experiences throughout the event.
Key Insights
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Civic design is an emerging field that connects various levels of government and community organizations.
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Engagement in conversations and sessions is encouraged over passive consumption of information.
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The conference operates on themes to create structured discussions around contemporary design challenges.
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Digital tools like Slack are vital for fostering community interaction during the conference.
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Sponsor sessions are offered for free and do not overlap with main sessions, expanding accessibility to quality content.
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There's a focus on collaborative learning and shared experiences among attendees.
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Notes, resources, and session materials will be made readily available post-conference, reducing the need for extensive note-taking.
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Community respect and a code of conduct are essential for a supportive conference environment.
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The importance of visual note-taking, highlighted through the work of MJ Broadband, enhances understanding and engagement.
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The conference aims to extend conversations and connections beyond the three days of scheduled events.
Notable Quotes
"Civic design is really just a highly polished snapshot of a conversation that a community of practice is having."
"Notice that I didn't say conference; I said a conversation."
"Your experience is going to be enhanced if you treat this like an interactive dialogue rather than just information consumption."
"We want you to be engaged and also feel supported in this community."
"There’s a jam-packed agenda lined up for this conference."
"Please take advantage of our sponsor sessions; they're really great and they're free."
"Utilizing Slack is crucial for connecting with others and sharing experiences during the conference."
"Your experience matters, and we want to ensure it’s as comfortable as possible."
"MJ really knows what she’s doing in terms of Creative Clarity through sketchnoting."
"Even though we are virtual, we are still a community and must treat each other with respect."
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