Convention 2026

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM  Seeing Classroom Space through a Design Lens  Kristina Lamour Sansone

This session invites participants to reimagine classroom environments through a design lens. Inspired by their teacher, Lella Gandini, two design practitioners will share their work and guide hands-on activities using simple materials to explore meaningful, attainable change that respects the plurality of children’s expressive languages.

Design Interest Group | Hyatt Regency Chicago | Grand Hall G

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM  Culture and Design: Exploring the Curricular Implications for Design Thinking  Asavari Thatte Pendharkar

This presentation examines the possibility of a reimagined design curriculum that prioritizes and values cultural contexts and the role of culture in design pedagogy. The presentation invites educators to reconceptualize design thinking as an organic and culturally responsive methodological approach to problem solving.

Design Interest Group | Hyatt Regency Chicago | Rosevelt 1A/1B

1:00 PM - 01:50 PM  Unlocking Design Education: Classroom-Tested Strategies from a Groundbreaking New Teaching Resource  Kathleen Tieri Ton, Robin Vande Zande, Stephanie Silverman, Noor Murteza

This session brings a new resource on design-based learning to life. Four chapter authors will share their proven, real-world lessons that have deeply engaged and inspired students. Whether you are new to design teaching or looking to expand your toolkit, you will leave with powerful examples for your classroom.

Design Interest Group | Hyatt Regency Chicago | Michigan 3

2:00 PM - 2:50 PM  Artepreneurs: Building Innovation Through Design Nate Breitholtz

Discover a K–8+ program fostering entrepreneurial skills through design thinking, FabLab tools, and art education. Learn how students develop innovative solutions, create prototypes, and engage in real-world making, empowering them as creative problem solvers and future entrepreneurs through business design and local community impact.

 Design Interest Group | Hyatt Regency Chicago | Grand Hall L

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM  Design Interest Group Business Meeting and Awards Ceremony.  Susan Braccia, Theresa Haugen

The Design Interest Group meeting will introduce the new Co-Chairs appointed in 2025, as well as introduce the Chair-Elect for 2027–2029. We will also offer an overview of DIG's mission and offerings, review progress of previous goals, set new goals for 2026–2027, discuss current members' and state chairs' needs, and select possible reviewers for NAEA Convention 2027 proposals. We will also present the award for 2026 DIG Outstanding Design Educator of the Year.

Design Interest Group | Hyatt Regency Chicago | Dusable

2:00 PM - 2:50 PM Seeing the Whole: Implementing Systems Thinking and Mapping in the Art and Design Classroom. Ahu Yolac

Learn how to implement systems thinking in the art and design classroom through hands-on mapping activities and real-world examples. This session provides tools to help students think critically, visualize complexity, and explore connections between creative practice, society, and the environment.

Design Interest Group | Hyatt Regency Chicago | Grand Hall H

4:00 PM - 4:50 PM What is a Design Playbook? Review and Access a Real-World Example for a Public Art Community Collaboration Julie Anixter, Donna Murray-Tiedge

Review and access a grant-funded, real-world example of a design playbook, a resource you can use to guide each stage of a project involving a multidisciplinary team. This playbook highlights a public art community collaboration involving environmental responsibility, professional designer–artists, schools, local businesses, a town, and rural community members aged 11–84.

Design Interest Group | Hyatt Regency Chicago | Grand A/B