Malmö Design Salon #25 Exploring the impact of AI on design

AI is transforming design, but how can designers stay in control and create meaningful, human-centered experiences in this rapidly evolving landscape? Hosted by Form/Design Center and produced by Malmö Design Network, this milestone 25th Malmö Design Salon brings together leading voices in design to explore the opportunities, challenges, and philosophies of working with AI as a creative partner.

Through talks and discussions, we will examine how AI can both augment and challenge the designer’s role; when it serves as a tool, when it risks taking over, and how to retain agency in decision-making. You’ll hear insights on designing AI experiences that are transparent, trustworthy, and collaborative, while avoiding cognitive overload or over-delegation.

We will also dive into what makes AI different from past technological shifts, sharing learnings from recent projects and experiments in storytelling, emerging behaviors, and design in paradigm shifts. Finally, we’ll explore how combining AI with design thinking can create real value; enhancing creativity, human-centered solutions, and business impact – moving beyond hype to tangible outcomes.

Join us for an evening of inspiration, reflection, and practical ideas on navigating AI as a designer, connecting with peers, and discovering how to shape the future of design with both human and artificial intelligence.

The event will be held in English.

SPEAKERS

Elias Ander

Elias Ander is a Malmö based Industrial Designer and a co-founder of Kalk. Kalk is a Design Agency specialising in MedTech and Startups, with the goal of making meaningful ideas, products and services come to life. As an early adopter of AI, he has placed emphasis on finding the tools and processes where AI can truly enhance the designer's work, and avoid turning into a shortcut or gimmick.

Johan Salo

Johan Salo is the founder of AIxDesign AB, helping organisations create business value at the intersection of AI and design thinking. With 20+ years of experience from companies like IKEA and Assa Abloy, he now develops agent-based solutions with AI Empower Labs and teaches future designers at Stockholm Technical Institute.

Ray Noori

Ray Noori is the CEO and Co-founder of Block Zero, a global design and technology studio based in Malmö, Sweden. In addition to leading futurist work for clients like E.ON, Google, Electrolux and Securitas, he has also given keynote talks at TOA Berlin, Dublin Tech Summit, and IMWorld in Bucharest as well as for executives at IKEA, Microsoft and Jenoptik. Ray is also an award-winning filmmaker and football-dad.

Elias Westerberg

Elias Westerberg is a creative technology director for Manyone (previously Topp), a global design consultancy that’s shaping everything that’s next. He’s fond of experimentation, storytelling and how people interact with technology. He has worked with clients such as Google, AWS, Nike, IKEA and Samsung often in the intersection of new technology and new emerging behaviours.

HOST OF THE MONTH

https://www.formdesigncenter.com

Form/Design Center is the leading meeting place for architecture, design and crafts in Sweden. In a unique cultural-historical environment in central Malmö, you can experience exhibitions, workshops and talks, or visit the design shop and bookstore. Form/Design Center is a platform for the industry and runs various sustainability projects.

Form/Design Center is designated by the Swedish government as a national node for a designed living environment and appointed official partner in the New European Bauhaus. Form/Design Center started in 1964 as a non-profit association and is supported by funding from the Ministry of Culture, the City of Malmö, Region Skåne and the Swedish Arts Council.

ABOUT MALMÖ DESIGN SALON

Malmö Design Network is a community from and for designers, bringing together professionals from all kinds of workplaces to support and grow the local design scene. Its central activity, the Malmö Design Salon, explores a new theme at each event and has already hosted 25 Salons over the past seven years. Alongside the Salons, the network organises drinks, podcasts, and other activities that give designers the chance to share knowledge, celebrate design, and meet both familiar and new faces.

🎟 Can’t attend after all? Please cancel your ticket so we can offer your seat to someone else—space is limited and interest is high!

📸 Heads-up: We’ll be taking photos during the event. If you'd rather not be photographed, just let us know beforehand.