Available Speaking and Workshop Topics
Placemaking Principles for Digital Design
As digital experiences become increasingly central to our lives, the principles of placemaking—traditionally used in urban design to create welcoming, inclusive public spaces—are proving essential in digital design. Just as physical spaces foster community, connection, and engagement, digital spaces should be designed with the same intentionality. This talk will explore the intersection of placemaking and user experience, or Digital Placemaking, demonstrating how designers can create digital environments that feel more like inviting public spaces that go beyond functional interfaces. By imagining digital experiences as physical places where people interact, move, and connect, we can build products that foster engagement, belonging, and accessibility.
This session will provide an overview of placemaking principles and their application in digital design, highlighting key principles such as accessibility, flexibility, and community building. Attendees will gain actionable insights on designing for interaction rather than passive consumption, fostering emotional connections through design, and ensuring inclusivity in digital spaces. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, this talk will equip designers, product teams, and digital strategists with a fresh perspective on creating more meaningful, human-centered digital experiences.
Designing for Memorable Experiences
Great design isn’t just about usability—it’s about how it makes people feel. Experience Design (XD) goes beyond traditional user experience by focusing on emotional connection, engagement, and delight. Whether in physical or digital spaces, the best designs create moments that empower, inspire, and leave a lasting impression. This talk will explore the principles of XD and how small, intentional details can elevate a product, space or event from functional to unforgettable.
Attendees will learn how to design experiences that foster deeper connections with users by incorporating elements of surprise, empowerment, and immersion. Through real-world examples and practical applications, this session will provide strategies to craft digital and physical experiences that people not only use—but remember and return to.
Reprogramming Imposter Syndrome with Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence might not be the first tool that comes to mind for personal growth, but its ability to provide an external, unbiased perspective can be a powerful catalyst for self-discovery and confidence-building. By analyzing our skills and accomplishments and articulating them in its characteristically overly enthusiastic tone, AI offers a form of external validation that many struggle to give themselves. It transforms self-assessment into something more tangible—no longer just our own perception, but a perspective that feels objective, even if it comes from a machine.
In this talk, I’ll share how I’ve successfully applied this technique in my Design Career Readiness class at Miami University, helping students see themselves in a new light. By leveraging AI tools, we can reframe imposter syndrome, gain clarity on our strengths, and build the confidence to advocate for ourselves in professional and personal spaces. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to integrate AI into self-reflection and career development, unlocking new ways to recognize and celebrate their own value.
The Role of a Personal Marketing Plan in Career Readiness for Creatives
A personal marketing plan serves as a strategic roadmap for building a successful career as a creative professional. It not only helps define your personal brand but also ensures you have the right materials to showcase your skills and stand out in a competitive industry. By taking a structured approach, you can confidently position yourself for new opportunities and navigate the job market with clarity and purpose.
This talk will provide a step-by-step guide to developing a personal marketing plan, covering essential elements such as crafting compelling resumes, cover letters, and portfolios, as well as conducting industry market and competitor analyses. Attendees will gain actionable insights on how to position themselves effectively, stand out in their field, and confidently pursue their next big opportunity.