Theme 2026: Designing for Meaning

Information architects design for meaning in everything we create. We intentionally shape how people understand and navigate systems, ensuring our structures create meaningful experiences rather than confusion.

Meaning is what transforms data into knowledge. It helps people make sense of complexity and find what they need. As information architects, we design structures that create meaning. We organize content so people can understand it. We build systems that connect users to the information that matters to them.

Workshop:

«Learn Visual Thinking Techniques to Make Sense of Complexity» by Michelle Geerlings and Bob van Putten

In a world of growing complexity, leaders and professionals are expected to make sense of information quickly, align diverse perspectives, and make confident decisions. This interactive workshop explores how visual thinking can become a powerful tool for navigating complexity, strengthening collaboration, and creating shared understanding. Led by visual strategists Michelle Geerlings and Bob van Putten, the session combines real-world examples from innovation, strategy, and change-making with hands-on exercises that show how simple drawings and visual frameworks can unlock clearer thinking and better conversations.

In this workshop, you will learn how to:

• Facilitate co-creation and decision-making with visual frameworks,
• Use visual tools to clarify complex challenges and support strategic conversations,
• Apply simple drawing techniques to improve communication and collaboration.
• Integrate visual thinking into your own workflows - regardless of your role or design experience.

Talks:

«Co-creating meaning through visualisation: leading insights gained in 13 years of visual thinking projects» by Michelle Geerlings & Bob van Putten

«Sustainable UX Design - Transforming the UX design process seamlessly integrating sustainability into every design decision» by Andrin Bühler

«Good accessibility will open doors that the best technology cannot» by Claudio Zeni & Stefan Barac

«The value of design and creativity in innovation» by Felix Högner

«Structuring Discovery: How Indoor Navigation Transforms Museum Visits into Meaningful Journeys» by Florian Wille

more speakers will be announced soon

Sponsors:

We sincerely thank our sponsors for supporting our mission and making the annual conference possible!

Presenting Sponsors:

• Puzzle ITC
• Zeix AG

Silver Sponsors:

• Liip
• OST - Ostschweizter Fachhochschule

Bronze Sponsors:

• Testing Time
• Interactive Things
• Dreipol