Talk Design '26: Bangor University Hosts One-Day Design and Innovation Conference

Previous attendees have hailed 'Talk Design' as "world-opening and inspiring" and "the best event of its kind in Wales and beyond". Talk Design 26' brings together distinguished speakers from the design and manufacturing sectors, each offering unique perspectives and expertise.

Confirmed Speakers

Ben Diamant, creative innovator, product manager and inventor of consumer goods 

An innovative and entrepreneurial product leader with a proven track record of developing global consumer and B2B products. With expertise spanning design, engineering, and innovation management, his work focuses on identifying new opportunities, transforming product development teams, and bringing products to market inspired by real consumer behaviour. Combining the perspectives of inventor, designer, and entrepreneur, this approach bridges the gap between marketing insight and technical development to create commercially successful and disruptive innovations.

Richard Carter, Engineering Manager, The Toro Company

With over 15 years of expertise in the ground care machinery sector, Richard Carter leads a UK-based engineering team at The Toro Company, developing high-performance turf care equipment for global sports and professional markets. A highly credentialed engineer, Richard holds a BSc in Agricultural Engineering from Writtle College and an MSc from Loughborough University and has been awarded three patents for his innovative contributions to the field.

In his session, Richard will pull back the curtain on the high-stakes journey of bringing complex products to market. Moving beyond theory, he will use real-world Toro product development lifecycles to demonstrate how to balance customer needs with advanced analysis tools like CFD and FEA. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of how to navigate corporate timelines, safety certifications, and manufacturing constraints—essential survival skills for any modern designer or engineer.

Massimo (Max) Malavasi, Founder & CEO, Innovative Outdoor Products Ltd (Aquapac, Carradice)

A veteran of the outdoor industry, Massimo Malavasi has spent over four decades proving that design is the ultimate business foundation. After founding Aquapac in 1983, Massimo steered the company through two successful tenures as CEO, ultimately merging it with the heritage brand Carradice of Nelson in 2021 to form Innovative Outdoor Products Ltd.

At the conference, Massimo will delve into his 40-year journey of utilizing patents, trademarks, and niche-market insights to build enduring brands. His session, " Design That Lasts: Building a 40-Year Product Business," will explore the critical intersection of manufacturing processes and design agility, offering attendees a masterclass on how to adapt to the modern speed of change without losing the essence of enduring craftsmanship.

Will Osborn, Service and Organisational Designer (Independent, ex-frog)

Will Osborn is a multidisciplinary designer at the forefront of human-centric innovation. With a background rooted in psychology and a distinguished career in design leadership at the world-renowned consultancy frog, Will specializes in the integration of service design, systems thinking, and positive psychology. His unique approach shifts the focus from traditional problem-solving to creating the foundational conditions for human flourishing within complex organizations.

And our 2 alumni:

Jesikah Thomas, Product Designer and CNC Programmer, Silverlining Furniture

Representing the next generation of design talent, Jesikah Thomas offers a compelling look at the transition from academia to the high-stakes world of bespoke manufacturing. A Product Design graduate now working with Silverlining Furniture, Jesikah specializes in CNC programming and operation for the luxury super-yacht sector. Her role sits at the precise intersection of digital design and artisanal craftsmanship.

In her session, "From Graduation to the Workshop Floor," Jesikah will provide an honest, practical roadmap for navigating the early career landscape. She will share her personal journey of rebuilding confidence and making difficult pivots, demonstrating how design thinking can be applied to one’s own career path. Her talk is an essential guide for students and recent graduates on translating design skills into the workplace and finding their footing in the industry.

Timothy Mueller,  Outdoor Industry Professional and Business Development, lodgyslife

Bringing together creativity, adventure, and entrepreneurial thinking, Timothy Mueller has built a diverse career across product design, marketing, and business development in the outdoor sector. From early beginnings selling flowers to designing outdoor equipment and working as a professional climber, Timothy has spent over a decade contributing to product lines and innovation for leading outdoor brands around the world.

In his session, “From Design Student to Outdoor Visionary,” Timothy will share how creative thinking can evolve beyond products into shaping businesses and new opportunities. Now working with lodgyslife to develop the next generation of innovative living concepts across Germany and Switzerland, he offers insight into how design skills can open unexpected pathways across industries

'Talk Design 26' is not just a conference; it's an opportunity for creative professionals, manufacturers, change-makers, and aspiring designers to immerse themselves in cutting-edge design philosophy.  

Talk Design 26 Tickets 

• Current Education: Free admission for pupils, students, and teachers.
• Bangor Uni Alumni: £10
• Senior : £15
• Early Bird: £35

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