Auckland Design Week, now in its second edition, is an exciting annual event celebrating the vibrant design scene in Tāmaki Makaurau (Maori name for Auckland). Founded by Jen Jones, it provides a collaborative platform where creative thinkers, design practitioners, showrooms, and retailers come together to explore and celebrate design in all its forms and its influence on the way we live. The 2025 edition is March 3-9.
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Auckland Design Week 2024
Auckland Design Week 2025: a vibrant design scene
In 2025, Auckland Design Week explores the transformative impact of emerging technologies across design disciplines, challenging attendees to move beyond apprehension and embrace innovation. With AI, VR, AR, robotics, 3D printing, and prefabrication revolutionizing industries, this theme examines how designers can integrate technological advancements while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
We invite designers from all fields to consider how these tools can enhance their work. Through collaboration, discussions, and installations, participants will interrogate ethical implications, push creative boundaries, and explore the potential of technology within their design practices.
The leading theme: Chance + Change
Chance + Change fosters a mindset of curiosity—encouraging thoughtful adaptation to new developments while respecting the core principles of design. This theme reframes technology not as a threat but as a powerful ally in the creative process, inspiring designers to forge innovative pathways without losing sight of artistry and intent.
Let’s approach this with open minds. Let’s question, engage with experts and future generations, explore new possibilities, challenge conventions, and draw inspiration from other industries.
Chance + Change delves into the transformative potential and ethical considerations of emerging technologies within multidisciplinary design. From AI and VR to prefabrication, 3D printing, and software-generated design, this event challenges traditional paradigms and sparks conversations on balancing innovation with craftsmanship. Designers across UX, graphic and animation, product and industrial design, architecture and interiors, the arts, and fashion are invited to reflect on how these tools can elevate their work while addressing ethical concerns.
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Through installations and collaborations, Chance + Change highlights the intersection of tradition and technology. Attendees will engage with cutting-edge projects that demonstrate how these tools enhance productivity and creativity without compromising craft. By embracing innovation, we open new avenues for design excellence, fostering a dialogue on responsible technological integration in creative practices. This theme underscores the importance of adapting to change while staying true to design fundamentals, positioning technology as an invaluable partner in achieving artistic and functional brilliance.
The Design Conference
Taking place at 25 Normanby Road in Mt Eden, the Design Conference at Auckland Design Week 2025 will delve into the impact of emerging technologies across design disciplines. The Design Conference requests to pay and entry ticket. Attendees will be encouraged to move beyond fear and embrace innovation, exploring how technological advancements can be balanced with traditional craftsmanship through our Chance + Change theme.
Karim Rashid: the future of design
Presented by Lexus, The Future of Design features renowned designer Karim Rashid, who explores how our material world must evolve in response to the rapid digital transformation. Humanity has lived in an analog world for over 100,000 years, yet we are only 30 years into the digital era. Rashid asks: How will design bridge this gap between the material and immaterial, and how will it reshape social behavior?
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Karim Rashid (photo from karimrashid.com website)
As consumers increasingly seek inspiration from both physical and digital environments, Rashid emphasizes the need for future design to create seamless, engaging experiences across disciplines—blurring the lines between design, art, architecture, and fashion. This fusion will shape a future where technology and creativity coexist to enrich everyday life.
However, Rashid stresses that great design must remain grounded in human needs, emphasizing innovation, individuality, and meaningful differentiation. It’s not enough to simply adopt technology; designers must craft products, spaces, and experiences that truly inspire. His lecture challenges attendees to imagine a future where the boundaries between material and digital dissolve, fostering a more connected and fulfilling experience. This is the future of design: a world where creativity, technology, and human essence merge seamlessly to elevate our collective experience.
Design Days
There’s a paid admission to the Design Days, at the Design Depot in Mt Eden, Auckland, on Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8.
The ticket includes the access to a collaborative, interactive exhibition space showcasing innovative designs and installations. Also in the ticket is included a selection of delicious food and beverages from Flight Coffee & Daily Bread.
The two days offer over 15 keynote and panel discussions featuring thought leaders and engaging topics for design professionals and enthusiasts alike. Finally, it also includes then screening of the documentary We Need to Talk About AI, examining technology’s impact on our world.
Auckland Design Week
For professionals and general public, exhibitions free admission
Design Conference March 6 paid admission
Design Days March 7-8 paid admission
Size: 30 activities, 50 brands (2024)
Visit Aucklandesignweek.com website for more info
Some images from Auckland Design Week 2024
