DIA President, Gavin Campbell outlines the preparation undertaken and issues facing the organisation leading up to 2025 and beyond.

During 2023, we refined and implemented the DIA processes and values developed over the previous three years. These processes and values strengthen our organisation, promote agility, and enhance our ability to support members. They encourage us to listen, learn, and act effectively on behalf of our membership.

Our councils are an integral and indispensable part of the DIA. They form the core of our community, connecting us with members, serving as our eyes and ears, and amplifying our voice. Their diversity across regions and disciplines is a key strength, fostering community and dialogue within our unique professional organisation.

Irrespective of discipline, the design profession faces growing pressures within an increasingly complex legislative environment. As governments grapple with climate, technology, and commercial issues, the lack of a framework to protect designers will impact all disciplines. For example, in some states, issues with construction industry regulation and a lack of recognition for interior design hinder our members' ability to practice. In other disciplines, introduction and changes to intellectual property, privacy and transparency legislation will impact insurances and client relationships.

Additionally, we see a rise in apps and applications marketed as design workflow tools. While presented as helpful, they often undermine the value of design and the design process. These include applications that simplify graphics without requiring fundamental design knowledge or streamline product selection while limiting choice due to supplier agreements. Media programming focused on design competitions and predetermined supplier deals distort the nature of design, emphasising outcomes without valuing process.

Designers must clearly articulate the value of good design to industry and communities. As Carl Jung said, "The world will ask you who you are, and if you do not know, the world will tell you." We must collectively define good design before others do it for us.

Our strength lies in our diverse membership across disciplines and regions. Our effectiveness hinges on member engagement. Strength in numbers means a more powerful voice. A robust community leads to better conversations and a deeper understanding of our members' needs. A strong DIA means greater capacity to represent designers in this era of rapid change.

I encourage you to become more actively involved in the DIA. Interact with and support your councils to empower them in their work. Voice your concerns and celebrate your achievements. Together, we can build a strong design community, allowing the DIA to define and promote good design, establish robust processes, and elevate respect for professional designers.