Voxpop

The London Design Festival kicks off this month with a host of very different events. What three things would you hope to take from an intensive festival such as this for business or personal development? On a professional level, I want to be inspired – by seeing great work; and I want to be challenged – to work in new ways and make my business cleaner, greener and happier for all concerned. On a personal level I want to be welcomed – to feel part of a thriving design community that is willing to debate, share and learn from inside – the design industry doesn’t drop its guard often enough.

Katja Thielen, Director, Together Design

Increasing cultural awareness on a personal level can only benefit work in the consultancy at the business level. Seeing what other designers are capable of and how they work in other disciplines should inspire and provoke everyone in the industry. But more than that, I would like to think that the London Design Festival will reinforce the UK’s reputation as a heavyweight design force throughout the world. It would be even better if there could be more emphasis placed on the benefits that designers can bring when they work with business.

Tommy Taylor, Designer, HGV If I were to take only three things from such an event, it would have to be: network; gather inspiration from the mix of people attending and the masterpieces on show; and ‘experience the brand’ of The Scotch Malt Whiskey Society.

Chris Goddard, Founding partner, Blue Design

I’d like to see a coherent, holistic approach to the events. London is a global hub, so I’d like to see that reflected across the programme. Above all, I want to be inspired to find something refreshing and new that will push our industry forward.

Neil Walker, Managing creative partner, CDT Design

I would love to feel that the festival was something that I really shouldn’t miss and that everyone who works with me was excited about going to an event as a group and – from a business perspective – I would just like to get together with similar consultancies to share stories and solve some problems.

Ben Stott, Director, NB Studio