People + Place honours the vital relationship between people, community, and the spaces we live, work, and come together – in an increasingly digital world.

At its heart, design is about people – their emotions, needs, and how we make sense of the environments that shape us. From indigenous knowledge systems to contemporary practice, Aotearoa’s unique design identity offers a powerful lens for creating inclusive, sustainable, and human-centred futures.

ADW 2026 invites everyone – from creatives to the creatively curious – to explore how design can foster social connection, spark conversation, and build a deeper sense of belonging, both locally and globally.

Whether through public art that sparks reflection, digital experiences that prioritise empathy, or fashion and objects that tell cultural stories, design has the ability to strengthen community ties and shared understanding.

People + Place challenges creatives to design with purpose – factoring in sustainability, diversity, and what sets us apart as a nation. By embracing neuroaesthetics, intuitive design, and indigenous perspectives, we can create environments and experiences that foster connection, reflect our identity, and inspire collective action.

Together, let’s design for OUR People + Place ensuring that as technology and society evolve, design remains rooted in empathy, culture, and community.