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We often hear about the potential of design to create a positive social impact on the world. This session aims to critically explore the topic of design for ;social good or ;social change. How can designers thoughtfully and ethically engage with social, environmental and political issues through design? What are the emerging trends in this field of design, and what are some critiques? We'll hear from Martha Cotton and others who are dedicated to this type of work, each presenting a short case study, followed by a panel discussion and audience QA.
Panelists include Jay Wall RGD, Dawn Hancock, Martha Cotton and Kevin Lo.
👋🏻 Hi, I’m Jay Wall. I’m a creative director working at the intersection of design, urbanism, and social change.
⚡ Over the past 17+ years, I have guided the design of brand identities, websites, campaigns, and publications that help organizations to tell powerful stories and inspire action. I was the founder of RallyRally, a design studio that merged with Briteweb, a B Corp-certified creative agency focused on social change. I have since joined O2 Planning and Design, where I lead communication design on urban planning and placemaking projects across Canada.
✏️ I’m a certified member of RGD. I have been recognized with the RGD UltraBold Award—which celebrates designers making a positive impact in the design community and beyond—as well as several So(cial) Good Design Awards. I have taught courses at George Brown Polytechnic in Toronto and been invited to speak at universities and conferences across North America.
🚲 I’m a dad, cyclist, and advocate for building healthy cities. Spacing Magazine named me one of Canada’s top public space champions and the US-based Next City selected me as a Vanguard fellow as a civic leader.
🧡 Based in Guelph, Ontario—working out of O2’s Toronto office—I respectfully acknowledge that I’m a settler on the ancestral territory of the Anishinaabeg (Mississaugas of the Credit), the Haudenosaunee, and the Attiwonderonk. Through my roles in business and education, I strive to honour the treaties and support truth and reconciliation.
✉️ I’m open for projects alongside my interdisciplinary team at O2 (and occasional side projects). I'm also available for public speaking and workshops. Feel free to reach out for a conversation.
