What's Next (Registrations are now closed for this event)
What's Next stands as Pearl Academy's flagship event; a quest to demystify the future trajectory of creativity-technology convergence. Our chosen theme for this year seeks to explore the dynamic landscape where creativity and technology collide and ways in which we can prepare creative aspirants for the ever-evolving world.
This event is not just a mere gathering; it's celebration of human ingenuity. It invites industry stalwarts, thought leaders, design academicians and practitioners to reflect on the boundless potential of artificial intelligence (AI), to deliberate and share insights into the future of creative expression, the evolution of design processes, and the way technology is revolutionising every facet of human creation.
The Format
With an objective to have a collaborative dialogue, share knowledge and create possibilities for action, World Cafe format has been a success at our What's Next events.
The technique builds on the notion of group intelligence. By organizing several discussion rounds where people are invited to discuss a topic of mutual interest in small groups, the technique enables bringing together individual ideas into one comprehensive message. By creating an environment conducive to open and honest discussions, we can explore diverse viewpoints, challenge assumptions, and collectively generate new ideas.
Call for Papers
Over the past 6 years, What’s Next has become a conference which focuses on the critical concerns of the contemporary times. It is a platform where academicians, policymakers, students, industry representatives and other leaders converge for insightful conversations and discussions and make actionable plans for the future of our world.
This is a single Call for Papers covering submissions to the conference. All accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings. We are welcoming submissions in the categories like Text Based Papers, Developmental Papers, Creative Practice or Non-paper Submissions.
Themes
- Exploring the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) on design, user experiences, and creative expression.
- Discussing the challenges and opportunities in designing for immersive environments.
- Addressing the potential of VR/AR in fields like architecture, education, and entertainments.
- Exploring the emerging metaverse, its impact on various industries, and challenges and opportunities it presents.
- Delving into the intricate relationship between visual aesthetics, user interfaces, and user experiences.
- Examining the role of UI/UX design in enhancing interactions and emotional connections in the digital world.
- UI/UX Renaissance: Crafting Digital Experiences that Captivate - Discussing the evolving field of UI/UX design, the importance of user-centred design, and how it shapes technology adoption.
- Investigating the marriage of technology and creativity in fashion and visual effects.
- Exploring sustainable practices through digital fashion, virtual runway shows, and digital clothing.
- Exploring the intersection of fashion and technology, wearable tech, sustainable design practices, and their influence on the industry.
- Highlighting the convergence of design, storytelling, and technology in media and entertainment.
- Exploring the role of AI in content creation, virtual production, and interactive narratives.
- Discussing the future of gaming, cross-media experiences, and immersive storytelling.
- Discussing the transformative impact of technology on design education.
- Exploring innovation pedagogical approaches, such as online platforms, interactive workshops, and collaborative learning in virtual environments.
- AI and Automation: Explore the possibilities and Limitations of AI in education. Discuss how AI could assist teachers in administrative tasks, personalizing content, and providing real-time feedback, but not necessarily human instructors.
Our Speakers
Changemakers
Satish Gokhale
Founder - Design Directions Pvt. Ltd,
Founding Member of ADI
Shailesh Chaturvedi
Managing Director & CEO - Tommy Hilfiger Apparels India
Ganesh Subramanian
Founder & CEO - Stylumnia
Former CMO and CEO - Myntra
Nikhil Malhotra
Chief Innovation Officer & Head of Emerging Tech - Tech Mahindra
Hemant Suthar
Director - DesignUp,
Founding Member of ADI,
Founder - Fractal Ink
Arun Sirdeshmukh
Former Head - Amazon Fashion
Independent Consultant - Ola
Prasad Bidapa
Fashion Consultant, Choreographer, Image Consultant and Stylist
Founder - Prasad Bidapa Associates
Agenda
| DAY 1 - FRIDAY, 16th FEBRUARY 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Event Registration | 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM |
| Welcome Address | 4:00 PM - 4:20 PM |
| Keynote Address - Emerging Realities | 4:20 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Session 1 - Pixels and Passion: Crafting Aesthetics in Digital Realms | |
| Keynote Address | 5:00 PM - 5:40 PM |
| Break Out - World Cafe Format | 5:40 PM - 6:40 PM |
| Panel Discussion | 6:40 PM - 7:40 PM |
| Recap and Introduction to Day 2 | 7:40 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Dinner & Cocktails | 8:00 PM Onwards |
| DAY 2 - SATURDAY, 17th FEBRUARY 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Event Registration | 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM |
| Recap of Day 1 | 9:30 AM - 9:40 AM |
| Session 2 - Boundless Expressions: The Techno-Creative Intersections | |
| Keynote Address | 9:40 AM - 10:20 AM |
| Break Out - World Cafe Format | 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM |
| Panel Discussion | 11:20 AM - 12:20 PM |
| Lunch | 12:20 PM - 1:20 PM |
| Session 3 - Reimagining Education: Designing the Future of Creative Learning | |
| Keynote Address | 1:30 PM - 2:10 PM |
| Break Out - World Cafe Format | 2:10 PM - 3:10 PM |
| Panel Discussion | 3:10 PM - 4:10 PM |
| Closing Remarks | 4:10 PM - 4:30 PM |
| Vote of Thanks | 4:30 PM |
What's Next 2024
Past Events
What’s Next 2019
The event is known to bring together diverse and influential speakers/participants adept at embracing change and setting the trends to lead the change as innovators, designers and leaders of the future, also known as 'Change Makers'
What’s Next 2018
Education for tomorrow. In today’s day & age, technology has changed the way we live, the way young people learn and also the job opportunities available today and in the future. Our leaders of tomorrow are learners of today.
What’s Next 2017
The event is known to bring together diverse and influential speakers/participants adept at embracing change and setting the trends to lead the change as innovators, designers and leaders of the future, also known as 'Change Makers'
