What will improve design in Northern Ireland?
Event 
Beer, Branding and Responsible Design
University of Ulster, Lecture Theatre.
Monday 22 March, 6.30-8.30pm
This event is FREE!
Please let us know that you are able to attend by emailing: sara.graham@ccskills.org.uk
Beer, Branding and Responsible Design
With Ralph Ardill of The Brand Experience Consultancy and Pete Kerr from Atto
Monday 22 March 2010, 6.30-8.30pm
Good Design Practice
A talk brought to you from the NI Design Alliance
Recognised as a leading authority on experiential branding, design and marketing, Ralph Ardill will discuss how languishing brewery, JW Lees, was transformed into a modern, relevant and thriving business. Close to closure, Ralph grabbed the challenge to lead the brand-based, business transformation by introducing principles that underpin good design practice. A testament to the power of sound business strategy and the application of design principles, Ralph will demonstrate how dedication, trust and creativity can invigorate a business, build an authentic and relevant brand and ultimately save jobs.
Design agency Atto use design thinking (and doing) to deliver design-led projects that achieve real-life, meaningful results – important things like generating more sales, keeping employees longer or making customers really happy. Pete Kerr will talk about how genuine transparency and integrity can be great for business. He will explore key principles that might just guide us to that holy grail of the creative business – clients who’ll pay you for your professional advice, and actually follow it.
These lively and provocative presentations are a must-see for anyone who has a role in making businesses and organisations better. Whether you're a designer, manager or developer, this is a great opportunity to hear from inspiring creative thinkers. You’re very welcome to come along and bring a colleague, associate or even a client who might find this talk revealing and invigorating.
Please let us know that you are able to attend by emailing: sara.graham@ccskills.org.uk
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About the speakers:
Ralph Ardill is an internationally respected branding and design expert. Formerly Marketing
and Strategic Planning Director of Imagination, Europe’s leading design agency, he led the
development of the acclaimed Guinness Storehouse. More recently Ralph was consultant
Brand Experience Director for the development and launch of the new Science Gallery in
Dublin. Today he works with his clients as an independent board-level agent and instigator
for change to help them deliver brand-led, design-inspired transformation and growth.
Pete Kerr is one of the partners at Atto, a Responsible Design company based in Belfast. They think and design for businesses and non-profits who share a passion for design thinking, effective communication and creating organisations with a positive net effect.
£245m
The GVA Creative & Cultural Industries contribute to the UK economy.
28%
The amount design contributes to that £245m GVA, making it the highest contributor of all the Creative & Cultural industries.
3370
The number of designers in Northern Ireland, making design the largest employer within Creative & Cultural Industries.
About the NI Design Alliance
The Northern Ireland Design Alliance is a partnership between industry, education and stakeholders who are committed to seeing Good Design Practice in Northern Ireland. Our goal is to promote professional standards and develop world-class design skills.
The NI Design Alliance aims to:
- ensure Northern Ireland designers have access to quality professional development and skills training
- give Northern Ireland designers an influential voice in education
- influence government and business
- communicate the importance and value of design across all industries.
What do we need from you?
The NI Design Alliance must be driven by industry to be successful and sustainable. We need to demonstrate demand from the sector in order to lobby Government for support and funding. You can help us add weight to the campaign by registering your email address and we will keep you updated with our progress and future events.
We want to hear your thoughts on improving the design sector. Our ambition is to get designers and design related industries across Northern Ireland engaged in the initiative and shaping the agenda. Please have your say now.
Good Design Practice Campaign
The NI Design Alliance will support the wider UK Design Skills Alliance and the Good Design Practice Campaign.
Who is involved?
The NI Design Alliance evolved from discussions between designers and Creative & Cultural Skills. A number of stakeholders have also been involved, for example; University of Ulster, Invest NI, Skillset, Craft NI, Belfast City Council, Digital Circle and the Education and Training Inspectorate.