Design Groups Sydney

SydDT #130: The Hidden Performance Skills of Great Designers

Designers spend years learning how to shape products, services, and experiences. But some of the most important design work happens live, in the room: * facilitating conversations * navigating uncertainty * building trust * uncovering perspectives * creating energy * driving alignment * helping people feel safe enough to contribute honestly Great facilitators don’t just run workshops, they shape emotion, attention, participation, atmosphere, and human connection in real time. In this Sydney Design Thinking Meetup, we’ll explore what designers can learn from experts who work at the extreme edge of live human experience design. Joining us will be: [Pamela Pilawa](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-pilawa-27096baa/) A Sydney-based performer blending clowning, physical theatre, storytelling, and teaching across cultures and languages. [Pamela’s work ](https://pamelapilawa.com/)explores presence, emotional authenticity, courage, vulnerability, improvisation, and audience connection. Pamela will share perspectives from the world of clowning and performance — including: * how to stay present under uncertainty * responding authentically in the moment * reading audience energy * embracing failure and imperfection * building trust and connection quickly * why vulnerability can be a leadership strength Because sometimes the difference between a good workshop and a transformative one isn’t the methodology. It’s the human presence in the room. [Wai Yin Vicente Kwok](https://www.linkedin.com/in/wai-yin-vicente-kwok/) Creative Director and Founder of [Wai Yin Designs](https://www.waiyindesigns.com/), with more than 20 years of international experience across theatre, film, immersive events, entertainment, and experiential activations — including large-scale themed experiences at Universal Studios Singapore. Wai Yin will explore how environment, atmosphere, spatial design, and intentional setup influence participation, behaviour, emotion, and outcomes. Drawing from theatre, live entertainment, and immersive experience design, she’ll share how: * environments shape interaction * atmosphere influences engagement * physical space changes collaboration dynamics * intentional staging can reinforce purpose * experiences can be orchestrated to support desired outcomes Because workshops, co-design sessions, and facilitation environments are experiences too. And like any experience, they can be intentionally designed. Together, we’ll explore: * facilitation as performance * the role of presence in leadership and design * designing environments for participation * improvisation and adaptability * balancing structure with emergence * how designers can become more effective facilitators of human interaction This session isn’t about becoming performers. It’s about learning from experts whose craft depends on understanding people in real time.... **EVENT SPONSORS** This event is brought to you by [Thoughtworks](https://www.thoughtworks.com/), [Shapeshifters](https://www.shapeshifterscreative.com.au/), The Growth Habit, and [Dynamic4](https://dynamic4.com). We take photos and record our events for documentation and promo purposes. Just let us know if you prefer not to be featured.

Desi Chai Meetup

Hi everyone. This event will be a relaxed, low stakes get-together where we can have chai and socialise. Please be considerate and show up if you RSVP as attending. If you have trouble finding the venue, you can call/msg me at 0490012096

Design Like a Pro: A One-Day Canva Workshop in Sydney

**Overview** Master Canva to create professional, on-brand social media designs with hands-on practice in templates, branding, media, and content planning. **Ready to secure your spot? 🎯 Register now and complete your payment securely via Stripe Checkout!** [Click Here](https://buy.stripe.com/eVq00jgyK46OgOcgCE2oE44) **Program Details** **Duration**: 1 Full Day (8 Hours) **Delivery Mode**: Classroom (In-Person) **Language**: English **Credits**: 8 PDUs / Training Hours **Certification**: Course Completion Certificate **Refreshments**: Lunch, Snacks, and beverages will be provided during the session **Every Confident Designer Has a Day One. This Could Be Yours.** For general enquiries or booking your slot, contact us at: [info@mangates.com](info@mangates.com) +61 (0) 2 80155605 **Course Overview:** **The Design Gap No One Talks About** Their feed looked fine. Not bad, just forgettable. Every post used the same template, the same stock photo style, the same font picked at random months ago. Nothing looked broken, it just never quite looked like theirs. That's the gap most people hit long before they ever open a design tool properly. Not a lack of creativity, just a lack of the right skills to translate an idea into something that actually looks professional. **The Moment Design Stops Feeling Like Guesswork** Picture this: someone opens Canva, pulls up a template, and instead of leaving it as-is, adjusts the colors to match their brand, swaps the font, repositions the text, and exports a post that finally looks intentional. That's not talent. That's a skill, and it's exactly what this one-day workshop is built to teach. **How the Day Unfolds** * **Module 1: Getting Started with Canva** — They explore Canva's interface and workspace, and start recognizing the right formats for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. * **Module 2: Essential Design Principles** — They practice layout, spacing, and alignment, and start noticing why some designs feel balanced and others feel off. * **Module 3: Templates, Branding & Customization** — Through a role-play, they learn how to select and personalize templates, layering in brand colors, fonts, and logos.\ * **Module 4: Creative Social Media Graphics** — A case study pushes them to design posts for real engagement, using effects, transparency, and story formats. * **Module 5: Using Images, Icons & Media Tools** — A simulation has them working with stock photos, icons, and overlays until the visuals feel sharp and intentional. * **Module 6: Editing, Resizing & Content Variations** — A group brainstorm surfaces quick techniques for resizing and repurposing one design across multiple platforms. * **Module 7: Exporting & Publishing Designs** — By the end of the day, they aren't just experimenting, they're exporting polished designs and building an actual content calendar. **What Changes By the End** Attendees leave able to: * Understand Canva's interface and essential tools * Use design principles for professional visuals * Customize templates for brand identity * Create platform-specific social media graphics * Work confidently with media, icons, and effects * Resize and repurpose content for different platforms * Export and publish polished, high-quality designs **Who Finds Themselves Here** * Social media beginners * Entrepreneurs and small business owners * Marketing and communication teams * Students and freelancers * Content creators and influencers * Anyone wanting to design without advanced software **Real Practice, Not Passive Listening** Every attendee works hands-on with real design projects, live, in the room. The scenario above isn't hypothetical, it reflects exactly what happens to most people who walk in without a design background and walk out designing with confidence. **Bring This to Your Organization** Picture an entire marketing team producing consistent, on-brand visuals without waiting on a designer for every post. This workshop is available as a customized in-house session, on-site or virtual, with group pricing for teams ready to build that capability together. 📧 Contact us today to schedule a customized in-house session: [corporate@mangates.com](mailto:corporate@mangates.com) **©2026 Mangates Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd. This content is protected by copyright law. Copy or Reproduction without permission is prohibited.** **FAQs** **1\. Do I need any prior design experience to attend?** No, this workshop is built specifically for beginners with no design background at all. **2\. Do I need to install any software before the session?** No, Canva works directly in your browser, and the workshop will guide you through account setup if needed. **3\. Will I actually create real designs\, or is this mostly a demo?** You'll create real designs throughout the day, working hands-on with templates, branding elements, and export formats. **4\. Can I use this for my own business or brand\, not just generic templates?** Yes, Module 3 focuses specifically on customizing templates with your own brand colors, fonts, and logos. **5\. What if I need designs for multiple platforms\, not just Instagram?** Module 1 covers formats for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and Module 6 teaches you to resize one design across all of them. **6\. Does the course cover video content\, or just static images?** Yes, Module 5 covers working with videos alongside stock photos, icons, and illustrations. **7\. Will I learn how to use Canva's AI tools?** Yes, Module 6 introduces Canva's AI tools for quick adjustments and content variations. **8\. I run social media for my company\, will this help with content planning\, not just design?** Yes, Module 7 covers preparing content calendars using Canva folders, alongside exporting and publishing your designs. **9\. Can this course be customized for our marketing team specifically?** Yes, group sessions can be tailored to your organization and delivered on-site or virtually, with group pricing available. **10\. What do I actually walk away with at the end of the day?** Practical skills across Canva's full toolkit, templates, branding, media, resizing, and exporting, plus a Course Completion Certificate.

CAD for Beginners: Hands-On 1 Day Course in Sydney

**Overview** Start your design journey—learn to draft, model, and visualize technical designs with industry-standard CAD tools in one day. *** **Ready to secure your spot? 🎯 Register now and complete your payment securely via Stripe Checkout!** [Click Here](https://buy.stripe.com/8x2bJ1aam1YGeG4aeg2oE43) **About the Course** • **Duration**: 1 Full Day (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) • **Delivery** **Mode**: Classroom (In-Person) • **Language**: English • **Credits**: 8 PDUs / Training Hours • **Certification**: Course Completion Certificate • **Refreshments**: Lunch, beverages, and light snacks included **If you would like weekend training sessions, kindly reach out to us at [info@mangates.com](info@mangates.com) for availability and scheduling.** **Course Overview** The **CAD Basics** course introduces you to the **fundamental tools and techniques of computer-aided design (CAD)** for creating professional 2D drawings and 3D models. You’ll gain hands-on experience with popular CAD software, enabling you to visualize ideas, draft designs accurately, and communicate technical concepts effectively—an essential skill for engineering, architecture, and product design. **Learning Objectives:** By the end of this course, **you will**: * Understand the fundamental features and workflow of CAD software * Create precise 2D engineering drawings using drafting tools * Build and modify basic 3D models for visualization * Apply standard dimensioning and annotation techniques * Visualize designs in multiple views and realistic rendering styles * Gain confidence to begin more advanced CAD drafting and modeling work *** **Target Audience:** Engineering students, product designers, and technical professionals. *** **Why is it the Right Fit for You?** Whether you're planning a career in engineering, product design, or architecture, strong CAD skills are essential. This course gives you the foundational knowledge you need to begin designing with precision and clarity. Through hands-on training using industry-standard software, you'll learn by doing, guided by experts with real-world experience. Ideal for beginners, it helps you bridge the gap between ideas and executable designs while preparing you for further specialization or on-the-job application. **©2026 Mangates Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd. This content is protected by copyright law. Copy or Reproduction without permission is prohibited.** **Want to train your team in CAD for improved design efficiency?** We offer fully **customizable in-house CAD basics training** tailored to your organization’s software preferences, industry use cases, or project focus. Want your team to create accurate digital prototypes and technical drawings more confidently? Let us build the perfect training solution for your design team. **📧 Contact us today to schedule a customized in-house session: corporate@mangates.com** **Agenda** **Module 1: The Power of Leadership Communication** • The leader’s role as a communicator • Understanding communication impact on culture and performance • The difference between managing and inspiring through words • Icebreaker Activity **Module 2: Building Executive Presence and Credibility** • Developing confident body language and vocal authority • Communicating with authenticity and emotional intelligence • Managing first impressions and leadership image • Practice Exercise **Module 3: Storytelling and Influence in Leadership** • Using stories to connect emotionally and motivate teams • Structuring messages that inspire and influence • Framing ideas for clarity and resonance • Case Study **Module 4: Leading Through Change and Uncertainty** • Communicating during transitions or crises • Handling difficult conversations with calmness and empathy • Encouraging team resilience and engagement • Role Play **Module 5: Active Listening and Constructive Feedback** • Listening to understand, not to respond • Providing feedback that drives performance and growth • Balancing assertiveness with empathy • Feedback Simulation **Module 6: Cross-Functional and Strategic Communication** • Communicating effectively across departments and hierarchies • Presenting ideas to senior stakeholders and clients • Navigating politics and diverse personalities • Group Activity **Module 7: Leadership Communication in Action** • Real-world scenario practice • Personal communication style reflection • Creating a leadership communication action plan • Action Plan Review **FAQs** 1. **Do I need prior experience with CAD software?** No, this course is designed for complete beginners. 2. **Will I be using a specific CAD software in the course?** Yes, training includes hands-on practice on a popular CAD tool (e.g., AutoCAD or SolidWorks). 3. **Do I need to bring my laptop?** Yes, a laptop with CAD software installed is recommended. Setup instructions will be shared. 4. **Is this course useful for product design students?** Absolutely, it's a perfect starter to visualize and draft product concepts. 5. **Will the course include 3D modeling?** Yes, basic 3D tools and concepts are introduced alongside 2D drafting. 6. **Are the skills transferable between different CAD tools?** Yes, the core concepts and drafting techniques are applicable across most CAD platforms. 7. **Can this course help me create blueprints?** Yes, you'll learn how to draft precise technical drawings ready for project submission. 8. **Do you offer advanced CAD training as well?** Yes, advanced modules such as 3D assembly, simulation, and rendering can be provided in separate sessions. 9. **Is lunch provided during the course?** Yes, lunch, snacks, and beverages are provided throughout the day. 10. **Can the course be adapted for corporate or industrial teams?** Yes, we offer custom-tailored training to fit project workflows or software in use. 11. **What is the refund policy?** You are eligible to request a refund up to 7 days before the event. ***

Networking Drinks #31

Join us once again at **The Art Syndicate**, a unique wine bar and gallery nestled in Surry Hills for a relaxed evening blending local drinks and meaningful conversations which should be perfect for a cold winter night. 🍷 **Event info:** ✅ Come discover some amazing NSW wine, beer and spirits. ✅ Expand your network of designers & make connections that last. ✅ No formal talks or speeches - just great conversations in a relaxed, friendly environment. *Check out my reviews on this page to see what others are saying!* **Venue information:**
 You'll find us at this art gallery & wine bar in Surry Hills. They exclusively offer a curated selection of NSW-based wine, beer and spirits! There is even art for sale! **Check them out on socials:** https://www.instagram.com/theartsyndicate.com.au/ **How to find us:**
 We are on Bourke Street, a short walk from Oxford Street or Central Station. **Join our What'sApp group:**
 Since Meetup has removed the event chat feature, [please join this WhatsApp group](https://tinyurl.com/uxad2026) for the latest event updates! Cheers, Josh

COVE DELI MANLY

Chau Chak Wing Museum & The University of Sydney

From EVP & CPO of Walmart US to Advisor for MrBeast: A Chat with Jon Alferness

Some careers shape products. Others shape industries. Join Leading the Product for an exclusive evening with [Jon Alferness](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-alferness-b193a3/) — one of Silicon Valley's most accomplished product leaders, advisor and investor. Jon is a highly experienced technology and product leader with more than 20 years' experience in Silicon Valley and the global retail sector, including recent focus on the food and grocery sector. Across more than two decades, his career has been defined by senior executive roles delivering digital transformation and innovation at some of the world's most influential technology companies, including Google, Pinterest, Lyft and, most recently, as Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer at Walmart US whilst a Strategic Advisor to MrBeast — a role encompassing eCommerce, Financial Services, Health & Wellness, Merchant Tools, and Last Mile Delivery. Prior to Walmart, Jon spent 13 years at Google, where as Vice President of Product Management, he played a pivotal role in developing Google Ads across Search, Mobile, Shopping, and Travel, driving innovations that shaped the digital advertising landscape. Now, Jon's roles consist of Non Executive Director for Woolworths Group and Advisor/Investor to many companies. Hosted as an intimate Fireside Chat, with Brainmates CEO [Adrienne Tan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennetan/) driving the fireside chat, this is a rare opportunity for the Australian product community to hear directly from someone who has operated at the highest levels of global product leadership. This will be an open, candid conversation exploring what it really takes to build enduring product organisations, lead through constant technological change, make high-stakes decisions, and develop the next generation of product leaders. We'll dive into topics including: * How product leadership has evolved across the world's biggest technology companies. * What separates exceptional product organisations from merely good ones. * Leading through AI, disruption and constant change. * Building products, teams and cultures that scale. * The lessons, mistakes and experiences that only come from operating at the very highest level. Following the fireside conversation, we'll open the floor for an audience Q&A, giving attendees the chance to ask their own questions and engage directly with one of the industry's most experienced product executives. We'll then continue the conversation over drinks and networking with Sydney's product community. **Evening timeline** 5.30 – 6.15pm: Arrive, grab a drink, and connect 6.15 – 7.15pm: Fireside conversation with Jon Alferness and audience Q&A 7.15 – 8.00pm: Networking, conversation, and connection Whether you're an experienced product leader, an aspiring executive, or simply curious about how the world's best product organisations think and operate, this promises to be an evening of practical insights, honest stories, and unforgettable access. A huge shoutout to Dovetail for their gracious hosting at their Surry Hills office. We'll have light food and drinks covered—all we ask is that you bring your curiosity, your questions, and your perspective. RSVP your spot today.

Updated ! SSP TUE - CITY LIGHT & SHADOWS IN MONOCHROME : Surry Hills

Join us for a street photography walk through Surry Hills, exploring **city light, shadows and everyday street life in monochrome**. Starting from Central Station, we’ll wander through the backstreets of Surry Hills, looking for strong contrast, silhouettes, geometry, reflections and those fleeting moments when people move through patches of light. **Coffee & Meeting Point:** Central Station Grand Concourse, since 10:00 AM **Departure time:** 10:30 AM **Walking distance:** Around 2 km at a relaxed pace **Lunch:** **The Clock, 470 Crown Street, Surry Hills** **Camera:** Any camera welcome, including phones. *Find the light. Build the frame. Wait for the moment.*

LONGUEVILLE HOTEL LANE COVE

What Clients Actually Break On WordPress Sites

Most WordPress sites do not fall apart because of one dramatic failure. They slowly drift out of shape through normal use, ordinary edits, unclear permissions, and well-meaning changes made by people trying to get their work done. That is the awkward reality of building websites for real organisations. The launch version may be clean, tested, and carefully structured, but six months later the site has met editors, managers, contractors, plugin updates, urgent content changes, and someone who “just needed to quickly fix the homepage”. This session looks at the common places WordPress sites get damaged after handover, including content editing, user permissions, plugin decisions, SEO changes, forms, layout control, and content governance. The bigger question is not how to stop clients touching their own websites. It is about building WordPress systems with enough guardrails so that normal human behaviour does not quietly turn into technical debt, broken layouts, lost leads, or avoidable support problems. Note: this is a rescheduled event. **You'll walk away with:** ✅ A clearer way to spot the predictable break points in client-managed WordPress sites ✅ A practical mental model for deciding where clients need freedom, and where they need guardrails ✅ Better judgement around permissions, editing access, plugin decisions, and post-handover risk ✅ A simple way to think about WordPress sites as ongoing systems, not finished launch artefacts **🎯 Who's It For?** **In-person event** WordPress enthusiasts, freelancers, digital managers, and site owners who already work with WordPress and want to move beyond surface-level tutorials. This session assumes basic WordPress familiarity. It’s not designed for complete beginners. **Format** * In-person Event * Arrive 6:30 for pre-networking * Talk starts at 6:45. 👉 **Host:** Wil Brown, [Zero Point Development](https://zeropointdevelopment.com/) Thank you to [Stone Digital](https://stonedigital.com.au/) for sponsoring the venue.

Build Your Own Mapping/Real Estate Site in One Day with AI - Luke Metcalfe

**Outline:** Every suburb is really hundreds of city blocks, and each one has a story in the data. This talk tours the coolest things you can do with Australian real estate and geospatial data at street resolution. Put a dollar value on a tree. Watch prices spread like an epidemic. Redraw the suburb map from scratch. **Speaker:** Luke Metcalfe stands at the intersection of data science and property innovation, pioneering machine learning applications that have transformed how Australians understand neighbourhood liveability. As founder of Microburbs, he applies advanced AI and machine learning to decode the DNA of Australian neighbourhoods, creating unprecedented insights for property decisions. Industry leader Eugene Dubossarsky calls him "one of Australia's greatest data scientists." Through Microburbs, Luke delivers cutting-edge solutions that empower smarter property decisions. His proprietary algorithms process millions of data points to quantify liveability factors that matter most to home buyers, renters, and investors. This unique approach transforms complex neighbourhood dynamics into clear, actionable intelligence. ‍Since 2014, Luke has been at the forefront of the proptech revolution, consistently innovating in the real estate space. His entrepreneurial track record includes building two data ventures that were successfully acquired. His work has earned recognition from leading data scientists and entrepreneurs alike, positioning him as the go-to authority for data-driven real estate intelligence in Australia. Join our community on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14297125/ to stay up-to-date on all our upcoming events