The world we live in is layered with complexity and its contemporary characterization is dominated by concepts relating to chaos, uncertainty and the rapid rate of technological change. Militarily, one response to this so-called ‘complex world’ has been to develop an education program in design methodologies which are described as a necessary response to contemporary trends. This ‘transformational turn’ is considered a robust response to defence concerns, and an ‘antidote’ to predictive planning.

The design thinking community have high hopes of creating a cultural and political shift in military strategy, towards more experimental, open and creative thinking about defence. This approach is generating some important critiques towards the design methodologies community and these critiques shape the IMDC themes and demand rigorous discussions alongside the broader contemporary global trends, articulated by analysts and academics, military thinkers, economists and climate change commentators; indeed current political contexts such as Brexit is engaging with creative ways through systemic changes in how to manage bureaucratic change within existing global co-dependencies.

It is with a conviction for critical thinking, challenges and interdisciplinary dialogue that the IMDC organizers invite you to choose a category below that suits your style and topic. The presentation style is creative (film, images, joint presenters, panels that relate in interesting ways across disciplines, or art work). A traditional spoken presentation is also very much welcomed. Please: no regular power points full of words are welcome. No complex mind maps and flow charts. No difficult to follow material. Accessible presentations, that work for an interdisciplinary audience and students is welcomed – complex ideas must be presented simply so as to include those outside the design community and newcomers to the ideas.

Just Talk – write an abstract on your expertise in line with themes which can be accessibly shared with the audience. You have half an hour for this.

We Talk – develop a panel of interest in line with themes and share the hour-long panel time between members.

They Talk – offer to facilitate a seminar group of attendees and participants of and feedback to main conference audience with questions. The seminars will be an hour long with a break in between and details provided upfront as to the content.

In addition, after you have been accepted to present at IMDC, you have access to an IMDC mentor per proposal, who promises to help guide innovative presentations in line with the themes whilst you are working on your presentations. The reasoning for this opportunity, is to support existing ideas and encourage presenters to be faithful to the purpose of their contribution, which is to contribute critically to the tensions in design methodologies with in mind the demands of contemporary defence challenges.

Note for practitioners: You may find the themes too narrow for you because you have very contextualised experiences - in which case Just Talk might suit you. You can also participate in a Just Talk panel. Please book a BRAINSTORM if you want to specialise in something and we will make it fit.