Design Decoded

ABOUT

We believe in decoding the complexities of design and tech industries by breaking down barriers and sharing.

In a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by emerging technologies, this year’s conference challenges students to pause, reflect, and Make it Matter. To use design not just to innovate, but to create meaningful, positive impact and give back to the communities around us.

An optional design challenge will be introduced a week before the event. Participants are encouraged to work on and submit it by the end of May 20. Submissions will be reviewed by the executive board of Innovative Design at UCLA, and feedback will be provided through email. Solutions that best showcase an application of design thinking will win exciting prizes!

Charles E. Young Research Library | Main Conference Room

Saturday, May 16 | 11am - 4pm

design & technology conference

03D 11H 58M 04S

design challenges due in

DESIGN CHALLENGE

THE CHALLENGE
ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL
YOUR MISSION:
Design a product, system, or experience that expands accessibility in a real-world context. Your solution should address a specific barrier that limits how people engage with environments, services, or information, and enable more equitable, independent, and inclusive participation.
Identify a situation where existing systems are not designed with all users in mind, and create a solution that improves access for people with a range of physical, cognitive, or sensory needs. Your design should remove friction, reduce exclusion, and support meaningful participation in everyday life.
Submission Form
EXAMPLES
PRODUCT / UX DESIGN
COMMUNICATION / AWARENESS
A mobile app, website, assistive interface, wearable, or digital tool that enables individuals to more easily access, interpret, and interact with environments, services, or information.
A marketing campaign or branding that improves how accessible solutions are understood and adopted.
A workflow, process, or system that improves access in organizations (e.g., schools, transit, workplaces).
STRATEGY / OPERATIONS
Slides with Problem definition
User and context
Solution overview
Key interactions or system design
Prototype(s) demonstrating core functionality.
DELIVERABLES
Identify a specific interaction, environment, or system that is not currently accessible
Explain where and how exclusion or friction occurs
HOW DOES IT WORK IN REAL LIFE?
Define a specific user group and context
Focus on lived experiences, needs, and goals rather than labels
WHAT IS THE BARRIER?
WHO IS THIS FOR?
CONSIDERATIONS
Define and address the feasibility of your solution. How will this design be executed?
Consider clarity, flexibility, and ease of use across different needs.
What can people now do more easily, confidently, or independently?
Focus on outcomes and impact, not just features
WHAT DOES YOUR SOLUTION ENABLE?
JBL SPEAKER
PRIZES
LEGO ORCHID
KODAK CAMERA KEYCHAIN

SCHEDULE

11:00 AM

11:10 AM

11:20 AM

12:20 PM

12:30 PM

1:30 PM

2:00 PM

3:00 PM

3:50 PM

Check-in

Event Kickoff

Keynote + Q&A

Challenge Reveal

Adobe Workshop

Lunch + Mingle

Framer Workshop

Career Panel

Closing

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Merilou Salazar

Designer, Musician, Writer

Merilou’s design approach is research-led and grounded in something no methodology can replicate: she knows what it’s like to start a band in a garage, hand out flyers at her high school, and spend a decade on the road as a touring artist, DJ, and festival producer.