The Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology hosted the Shapeshift Global Summit: Responsible AI from May 28 to 30, 2025. The event gathered over 150 participants to discuss the responsible development of artificial intelligence. Keynotes and panels featured representatives from companies like Adobe, Amazon, Microsoft, Waymo, and WhatsApp.
Anijo Mathew, Dean of ID, emphasized the summit's focus on human-centered design in AI. "Design is uniquely positioned to navigate this complexity," he stated. Albert Shum, co-host and advisor to the dean, highlighted the importance of building trust alongside scaling AI technologies.
The summit included a special podcast series produced in collaboration with Design Observer’s Design As. This series will feature interviews conducted during the event and offer further insights into the discussions held.
Over three days, attendees explored themes related to AI's impact on civic infrastructure, business transformation, and human relationships. Day One focused on immersion experiences around Chicago; Day Two examined AI systems' effects on public services and global business; Day Three delved into AI's influence on individual well-being and identity.
Speakers such as Rohit Prasad from Amazon discussed how AI can benefit society by enhancing human potential. Abdulaziz AlJaziri from Dubai Future Foundation spoke about using AI for community resilience. Moneta Ho Kushner from WhatsApp shared insights on designing user-friendly generative AI experiences.
Ryan Powell from Waymo addressed trust in autonomous technologies, while Anamitra Deb from Omidyar Network stressed engineering inclusion into emerging systems. Liz Danzico from Microsoft highlighted innovation through diverse collaboration.
Jeff Hsu of Far Eastern Group concluded that true innovation requires cultural transformation beyond technological advancement.
Illinois Tech continues its mission to advance technology through collective difference and hands-on learning opportunities for students. The Institute of Design remains a leader in strategic design education since its founding by László Moholy-Nagy in 1937.