Our story
In 2015, Design Dept. was founded by Mia Blume with a mission: to increase the impact of design on our world.
Since then, we have embarked on a journey to create transformative learning programs, collaborating with design leaders from renowned organizations like Adobe, Airbnb, Dropbox, Google, Instacart, Lyft, Meta, Nike, Target, Uber, Wealthfront, and others.
At Design Dept., experimentation and adaptation are deeply embedded in our DNA. We embrace intentional and iterative approaches in all aspects of our work. This philosophy became even more crucial when the field of design underwent a significant transformation with the emergence of generative AI tools in 2022.
Recognizing the profound implications of this technology, Mia took the lead in initiating a pivotal shift in 2023. She charted a new course for our community, empowering designers to embrace the unity of creativity and cutting-edge technology.
Designing with AI offers a community-based learning experience, featuring a dynamic curriculum approach. Our members gain access to carefully curated news, live learning labs, speaker events, and resources tailored specifically for designers. No hype, just practical applications.
Our mission
Designing with AI supports creatives by providing inspiration, education, and community to help them build the skills they need to succeed in an AI-infused world. Together, we’re defining the future of our craft.
Our beliefs
These beliefs drive the creation and cultivation of the Designing with AI community:
We believe in experimentation.
We don’t know everything. No one does. (Not even robots.) So let’s try, and if it doesn’t work then we’ve learned something for the next time we try, and the next, and the next. The goal is not to have The Answers or to Achieve Perfection. The goal is to learn by doing.
We believe in a community who makes together.
This AI world is uncharted territory. There are no experts yet. We’re all in the same (aforementioned) boat, so let’s take advantage of that fact and be in it together. Let’s learn from each other. Let’s all ask the questions and try all the things and design as we go. Let’s see what happens.
We believe in shifting mindsets.
Let’s reframe the way we think about this evolution in our creative discipline. AI could be scary—they’ve made multiple blockbusters about what happens when the machines take over. But what if we choose to be curious instead of cautious? To embrace the journey, the practice, the development of new skills. To have fun with making new things in a new way. Let’s do that instead!
We believe in keeping our eyes open.
Let’s be honest, it’s weird out there. It’s ambiguous and messy and there are really big, absolutely legitimate questions hanging in the air unanswered. But that doesn’t mean we should bury our heads. We can be good citizens, make ethical choices, experiment conscientiously, and design our path forward.
We believe now is the time.
This wave is going to crest with or without us. Now is the time for designers to get on board, to understand the tools and the tech so we can be a part of this sea change and influence the evolution of AI in our industry. The alternative is to step back and sit down and let someone else write the narrative for us. To that we say no thanks! We want to help write the story of what happens next, and we invite you to join us on this journey.