

Design Redefined
Appropriate for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as design professionals, each session will feature a panel discussion featuring thought leaders, followed by a hands-on exploration of key design principles, light refreshments, and networking. Co-hosted by MIT MAD and Innovators for Purpose.
Free with Museum admission. Free for teens.
Transforming Learning: Speculative Climate Design
This event aims to explore how the process of imagining and designing experiences of alternative futures ("experiential futures") can deepen participants' appreciation of complex problems and increase their sense of agency. Using climate change as the focal theme, a panel discussion will examine ways of supporting constructive change and action. Futurist Stuart Candy joins us virtually to lead a playful, hands-on experiential futures/speculative design exercise challenging and enabling participants to imagine - and start to bring to life - possible worlds to come.
Free with museum admission. Free for teens.



Anaya Raikar

Empowering Society: Designing Empathetic AI Solutions
Our next Design Redefined explores how empathy-driven AI can positively impact society. Through a panel discussion and hands-on activities, participants will discover how designing AI with compassion can support mental well-being, enhance social connections, and address real-world challenges. By focusing on the human side of technology, this event aims to show how AI solutions, designed with empathy at their core, can empower communities and transform lives.
Free with museum admission. Free for teens.
Past Sessions
Catalyzing Innovation: Designing with Life
This event brings together designers of all levels — from teens to industry professionals — to explore the ways in which biotechnology and design using living organisms are driving innovation in medical, architectural, and fabrication industries, ultimately shaping the future of material design.





Lauren (Ren) Ramlan
Shaping Shared Spaces
In this session, we’ll delve into the heart of designing shared spaces while exploring the unique dynamics at play when infusing vibrancy and community spirit into public spaces. Learn how design can unite communities and create spaces where everyone feels they belong, including teens who are often overlooked. Join us in a conversation that aims not just to question but to act.
This program is presented as part of Boston Design Week.





Equity, Ethics, Engagement and AI
Join us as we reimagine the AI landscape through intentional design. In this session, we will examine how the principles of equity, ethics, and engagement can transform AI from a technology where inclusion is not just an aspiration, but the primary catalyst for innovation. This program will be moderated by Innovators for Purpose, a BIPOC-led non-profit youth design and innovation studio.
A maker activity and networking opportunity will follow the panel discussion.
Appropriate for teens and adults.