WHAT: Design thinking is more than a buzzword – it is a critical component of a thriving innovation economy. But what exactly is design thinking and how can it benefit the San Diego region? Simply put, design thinking is a way of ensuring that the correct problem is solved, that the focus is upon the root underlying issues and needs of people. Design thinking, or human-centered design, is about more than products or pretty logos and can be applied to organizational structure, healthcare and company strategy. San Diego has a strong, thriving design community but the connection between design and the San Diego economy has never been explicit. UC San Diego’s Design Lab is spearheading a one-day summit to change this. The day will examine all aspects of design, including case studies and its impact on communities. With keynotes, intimate salons and a design showcase, the event will give attendees an insider’s view on how design thinking can reshape our economy and how San Diego is poised to be a leader in this global trend. WHEN: Thursday, June 16, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier WHO: Civic and industry leaders alongside the regional design community, including: Mayor Kevin Faulconer, City of San Diego Don Norman, director of UC San Diego’s Design Lab Sam Yen, chief design officer, SAP Kurt Walecki, vice president of design, Intuit Ken Musgrave, vice president and head of global customer experience and global experience design, Hewlett-Packard Company Mark Cafferty, president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation WHY: Design thinking is now considered a necessary competitive advantage both for companies and communities. A study from the Design Council of London found that workers with a design element in their work were 41 percent more productive and that products based on design accounted for more than $50 billion in exports. Legacy tech giant IBM said design thinking is the key to remaking its business while a hospital in Cincinnati was able to save $9,000 per patient using software developed with design thinking principles. San Diego has the design talent to become a global leader in design-driven innovation. Now all it needs is a commitment to this vision as well as the leadership to fulfill its potential. The San Diego Design > Forward event aims to educate, inspire and accelerate the region’s efforts to use human-centered design as a strategic asset for the region. For more information and to register online, visit http://designforwardsd.com/