Welcome to the Innovating Innovation series with Design Factory Melbourne, an innovation lab at Swinburne University of Technology.
Innovating Innovation… why bother?
According to Albert Einstein, "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." Traditional innovation frameworks, such as structured stage-gate models and design thinking are valuable, but are they enough? Given a volatile business environment, the torrent of revolutionary technologies, and shifting stakeholder expectations, innovators need to be more agile than ever to stay ahead of the competitive curve.
We believe the time has come to hit the pause button and test whether current innovation processes are truly fit-for-purpose in future-proofing organisations. Join us as we examine the nature of innovation and how it needs to evolve in our Crucial Conversations Series: Innovating Innovation.
– Maureen Thurston, Acting Director, Swinburne Design Factory Melbourne
In the first Innovating Innovation forum, we’re exploring: what makes true innovation possible? And how does the innovation process need to adapt to the AI tsunami?
Join innovators from across Melbourne for a panel discussion with leading industry experts, who will discuss:
- the future of innovation practices
- the societal and technological challenges we face to innovate well
- how we can harness AI to drive real, impactful change.
Get inspired, network with forward-thinking professionals like yourself, and discover the Design Factory Melbourne experience. We would love to see you there.
Drinks and nibbles on the house.
Meet Your Panel
Alrick Pagnon
Director – Growth & Experiments, Accenture Song
Alrick works across customer experience, product innovation, growth strategy and future experience design. He partners with clients in financial services, education, energy and aviation to unlock growth through behaviour-led testing and experimentation. By identifying early signals of customer demand, Alrick helps organisations make smarter decisions, de-risk the launch of new products and experiences, and bring impactful ideas to market with greater confidence.
Jessica Mansur
Head of Innovation, King & Wood Mallesons
Jessica is the Head of Innovation with over 18 years of experience in professional services, responsible for driving impactful projects and fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. Jess leads high-performing teams, mentors emerging leaders, and collaborates with executive teams and leaders to shape and execute strategic initiatives. Known for her ability to inspire action and lead multi-disciplinary teams, she excels in creating environments that encourage out-of-the-box thinking and continuous growth, and a willingness to experiment with new ideas.
Maureen Thurston
Acting Director, Design Factory Melbourne
Maureen is a prominent figure in innovation and strategic transformation – by design. Prior to her role in Swinburne, Maureen served as Aurecon Chief Experience Officer and is regarded as the first CXO across the global engineering sector. Throughout her 40-year career, Maureen has consistently leveraged design as a catalyst for change, bridging the gap between creative capability, business strategy, and top-line growth.
Meet Your Facilitator
Aaron Down
Applied Innovation Lecturer, Swinburne Design Factory Melbourne
Aaron is a human-centered designer, educator, researcher and strategist with expertise in driving user experience outcomes. He has worked for The Design Foundation, engaging Australia’s creative community through programs such as agIdeas and Ideas on Design Forums, CG Futures and Melbourne International Design Week. He has collaborated with Creative Victoria, Screen NSW, ANSTO, Metro Trains and Sony PlayStation across his professional and academic career.
