Events

Three student projects from GBDA 412 – Special Topics in Media Architecture will be featured in Lights On Stratford, an annual city-wide festival, starting December 13. The course, designed and taught by David Han, a media artist and PhD candidate in Cinema & Media Arts at York University, reflects the students’ ability to bring technology and the arts together. 

Earlier this term, student teams presented their installations to a panel consisting of representatives from Lights On, the City of Stratford, and the Stratford School. The selections are: 

• A Living Entity is an interactive installation that brings to life the Avon River, showcasing its role in Stratford's future. 
• Nocturnal Visions brings awareness to the essential roles of nocturnal animals, showcasing their unique behaviours and contributions to our environment. 
• Fungi: Beyond the Eye invites viewers to explore the non-human, present world of fungi roots, called mycelium, local to the city of Stratford.

BLEND: What to expect

At Blend, you'll connect with like-minded professionals, hear stories of designers and leaders facing the future and redefining realities, and participate in workshops that will help you in your industry.

This year features keynotes and workshops from industry leaders and the BLEND after-party. And the best part? You'll be surrounded by people who are just as passionate about breaking boundaries as you are. We're talking about entrepreneurs, creatives, and boundary-pushing thinkers who will inspire you to think bigger and bolder than ever before.

Over the day, you'll be inspired as we hear inspiring stories of people in our community of designers breaking boundaries and overcoming obstacles to redefine our world.

We'd love for you to be part of the conversation. We promise it'll be worth the investment.

When is it?

Join us on March 1, 2025 at the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business. This event includes refreshments, lunch, and light appetizers at our networking social evening.

For more information including schedule and speaker line up please check out the Blend website. 

Students will showcase their work and discuss their approach to the 2025 Service Design Challenge, an international competition focused on service design for global issues. This year, they collaborated with IBM mentors to create innovative products and services that support sustainable development and equitable progress. Join us on April 4 to see firsthand the skills and knowledge our students have developed.

Presented by Co-operators, the uXperience Design Jam for Spring 2025 is all about Omnichannel Opportunities. Help reimagine how we can spark leads and build trust—online, offline, and everywhere in between. 

This Design Jam runs from June 13th - 20th, starting asynchronously from June 13th - 19th, then in-person on June 20th for final prep and presentations to the Co-operator judging team.

The uXperience Design Jam, where students collaborate to tackle real-world challenges and create design solutions. This year's theme is Designing Chronic Care that Connects, and challenges participants to explore how design can improve access, empathy, and continuity in chronic care and prevention.

Registration is still open!

Sponsored by Sun Life

Jessica Silverberg graduated from GBDA in 2021 and has built a dynamic career across production, pharmaceuticals, and food services. Currently a Digital Product Specialist at ONroute, she also holds a UX/UI certificate from the University of Toronto. Jessica is passionate about designing intuitive, human-centered digital experiences and is excited to return to GBDA to help students navigate the transition from graduation to job searching.

Join us in March 2026 for BLEND: Business + Design, a conference designed for professionals and students. Hear from designers, leaders, and innovators who share real stories and actionable strategies for turning work into purpose, leading through change, and building meaningful careers. With inspiring talks and hands-on workshops, BLEND equips you with practical skills you can apply immediately. Connect with a community that values courage, optimism, and growth.