This keynote, presented by Dr. Jason Tham, examines the intersection of rhetoric, design, and social change, arguing for a shift beyond traditional design thinking toward Socially Situated Deliberative Design (SSDD). While design thinking has dominated innovation discourse, its limitations—superficial empathy, depoliticized problem-solving, and corporate co-optation—necessitate a more ethically engaged approach. SSDD integrates rhetorical inquiry, ethical reflection, and participatory engagement to make design more responsive to social, cultural, and political contexts. By foregrounding deliberation and accountability, SSDD challenges exclusionary design practices and repositions rhetoric as a transformative force in shaping technology and society. This talk offers scholars a critical framework for designing with—not just for—communities.

All are welcome to attend!