About
About Shapeshift
Every two years, ID gathers leaders around a persistent area of concern. In 2024, a series of global Shapeshift salons consider how local communities might leverage AI for local concerns: democracy, mental health, skill-building, and information sharing.
In May 2025, participants from those salons and other key attendees will come together at our Chicago Summit.
These events—our Shapeshift 2024–25 Global Series—are all focused on a common theme: Responsible AI.
The 2024–25 Global Series
Responsible AI
Over the last few years, a new triumvirate of technologies—AI, AR, and robotics—has radically transformed how we work, play, learn, and communicate.
But what happens when the hype cycle is over? Once we transcend the awe phase, we need serious conversations about what changes these technologies will bring about, who will be affected by them, and what guardrails and policies need to be in place to harness the power of these technologies effectively.
As we consider the potential of AI, we must also think about our responsibilities. The Shapeshift 2024–25 Global Series is a practical extension of ID’s 2024 research report, Taking Responsibility in the Age of AI: Design Leads Organizations Through Five Urgent Challenges.
Our Way Forward
Join Your Colleagues
In our Shapeshift events, learners, leaders, and organizations build action plans for using AI in persistent areas of concern that are both local and global in scale. Attendees will include:
- Business and organizational leaders looking for novel implementation of AI solutions
- Design professionals and leaders looking to lead AI implementations
- Educators and students seeking to learn from experts in AI and design
- Government officials and policymakers interested in harnessing the power of AI
- Entrepreneurs looking to build new AI and design startups and ecosystems
- Technology enthusiasts interested in learning about responsible AI
- Design enthusiasts looking to learn from others in the AI and design space
Shapeshift: A Distinct Approach to AI
Shaping Positive, Practical Applications
By focusing on real-world case studies, actionable insights, and tangible outcomes, Shapeshift attendees will discuss leveraging AI and other ascending technologies to solve complex challenges, create innovative products and services, and produce practical business value—all while driving positive social change.
Shifting from Big Tech
By incorporating voices and insights globally, the conference provides a diverse range of perspectives and ensures that the future of innovation is not directed only by the few companies who have the resources and the ability to push the boundaries of AI.
Shaping Policies and Priorities
Through collaboration across industry and academia, Shapeshift events equip attendees to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of ascending technologies. As platform adoption takes hold, these dialogues will ensure responsibility is seen as a priority not just by organizational leaders, but also government and policy leaders.
