Design Groups Sydney

SydDT #127: The Human Loop – Keeping the Customer at the Core of AI

As AI rapidly accelerates product delivery, it’s easier than ever to ship features that look impressive but fail to solve real customer problems. For SydDT’s 11th birthday celebration, we’re collaborating with our friends from GenAI Lab to bring together a panel of design and product leaders to discuss how to balance the sheer speed of AI with genuine, human-centered design. We’re lucky to have Tarra van Amerongen, Alex Zinoviev, Riley Coleman, and Kristin de la Fuente sharing their observations and insights. They’ll cut through the hype to explore how user research needs to adapt for generative AI models, how to design for trust and transparency, and how the designer’s role is shifting from pixel-pusher to system orchestrator. Come join us for some fun conversations with interesting people in and around the design thinking community. New members are welcome! **SPEAKERS** **[Tarra van Amerongen](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarravanamerongen/)** **VP of Product & Design \| Asia\-Pacific\, Thoughtworks** Tarra is an award-winning user experience and digital transformation leader, guiding creative, technical and business teams towards experiences that change the game. She's worked as a practitioner, lecturer, consultant and leader with in-house teams, consultancies and agencies for the past 15 year after pivoting into design from software development. Tarra is focused on taking a human-first approach to the application of AI, and challenges us to provide an informed view of what should remain human-first, what work means in this new paradigm, and how we stretch our craft as good design matters more than ever. **[Alex Zinoviev](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexzinoviev/)** **Head of Product, Neo Intelligence & Founder, GenAI Lab** Alex Zinoviev has spent 15+ years in product, most recently as Head of Product at Neo, an operations management platform for construction. He founded GenAI Lab, a 1,400-member community of product and design practitioners across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, because he kept seeing the same gap: teams excited about AI but unsure how to adopt it without losing sight of the humans they're building for. GenAI Lab runs workshops grounded in first-hand experimentation. **[Riley Coleman](https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-coleman-a185754/) (they/them)** **Founder, AI Flywheel** Riley started their career as service designer creating behaviour change programs for marginalised communities in the not-for-profit sector. Before studying a masters in human-centred multimedia and transitioning to user experience design. Riley has spent the last 12 years working in design leadership roles in Australia, Germany, Netherlands and Sweden. Now, as founder of AI Flywheel, Riley teaches human-centric AI training programs to designers and leaders. Drawing from their extensive experience in behaviour change, human-centred design and technology transformation, they’re building a community of practice around effective Human+AI products, services and operations that people can trust. **[Kristin de la Fuente](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristindelafuente/)** **Design Lead – AI Products, SEEK & GenAI Lab Design Partner, GenAI Lab** At SEEK Kristin is pioneering trust architecture for automation and agentic experiences by recognising that trust failures are often psychological failures, not necessarily technical ones. She's designed practical mechanisms that keep customers centred and in control of agentic workflows. Working with teams to integrate Responsible AI principles and Strategic AI plays, Kristin leverages these frameworks to translate principles into concrete design decisions, ensuring they show up meaningfully in user experience. She moves beyond shipping impressive features to ask harder questions: where should AI actually be used? How do we maintain human agency at scale? Her work makes the invisible visible turning complex AI capability into systems people can understand, trust, and actually control. **EVENT SPONSORS** This event is brought to you by [Thoughtworks](https://www.thoughtworks.com) and [Dynamic4](https://dynamic4.com/). We take photos and record our events for documentation and promo purposes. Just let us know if you prefer not to be featured.

SydDT #128: Details Coming Soon!

SydDT is a diverse community of 10,000+ members started in 2015. Our monthly meetup is one of the top design thinking meetups globally. The SydDT community is known for being **fun, welcoming, and inclusive**. Come join us for some fun conversations with interesting people in and around the design community. More details closer to the date... **EVENT SPONSORS** This event is brought to you by... contact us if you're keen to support the SydDT community. We take photos and record our events for documentation and promo purposes. Just let us know if you prefer not to be featured.

From Design to Ship - Build with AI One-day Hackathon @ WSTI

**NOTE: Paid Tickets must be purchased on Eventbrite** ([Ticket Link](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/from-design-to-ship-build-with-ai-one-day-hackathon-wsti-tickets-1987804998260?)) Overview Design and build an app in a day with Google's latest AI Tools and Capabilities. Powered by WSTI × Google Spend a Saturday building your very own app using Google's newest AI tools. Google is teaming up with WSTI to bring Build with AI 2026 to Western Sydney. In one day, you'll go from idea → design → working app using: * Google Stitch — design UIs with AI * Google Antigravity — build full apps with AI No coding background needed. If you can describe what you want to build, these tools will help you build it. **RUN OF THE DAY** * 9:30 AM — Doors open, Welcome, coffee & registration * 9:50 AM — Hear from Googlers * 10:00 AM — Stitch workshop: design with AI * 11:00 AM — Antigravity workshop: build with AI * 12:15 PM — Lunch + form build teams * 1:00 PM — Mini Design Thinking session * 1:30 PM — Mentored build sprint * 3:30 PM — Showcase: teams demo their builds * 4:00 PM — Prizes, photo, wrap * 4:30 PM — Close **WHAT YOU GET** * Hands-on with Google latest AI tools e.g., Stitch and Antigravity * US$5 Google Cloud credit for every attendee * Lunch & Drinks * Mentoring from WSTI's tech team throughout the build sprint * A working prototype you built in a day * Small prizes for standout builds * Networking with the biggest AI community in Western Sydney * Paths to access AI credits and resources for serious builders **WHO SHOULD COME** * University students and recent grads * Developers and technologists * Founders and SME owners exploring AI * Designers and creatives curious about building with AI * Anyone who wants to go from "I have an idea" to "I built it" in one day **WHAT TO BRING** * A laptop (essential) * A Google account * An idea you'd like to build (or come inspired — we'll help you find one) **Notice of Photography and Filming** By entering this event, you acknowledge that photography, audio, and video recording may occur. Your attendance constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of such media for promotional purposes by Western Sydney Tech Innovators (WSTI). If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please inform a WSTI team member upon arrival. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

EUXSyd 2025 - June Meetup

**EUXSyd** are excited to have our next meetup on the 4th of June!! This will be the last meetup we hold at the blueegg offices and will be a celebration of EUXSyd over the last 10 years. We will be at **blueeggs' office on level6/75-77 Pitt St**. Networking, drinks and pizzas will start from 6:00 and talk will start at 6:30pm. Look forward to seeing you there!! This event is proudly sponsored by Experience Design "UX" Agency blueegg ([www.blueegg.com.au](http://www.blueegg.com.au/))

Tumbalong Nights at Vivid Festival - Music and Art photography

Delve into the electric glow of Vivid Sydney and capture live music at its most dynamic. **Vivid Frames** is a multi-day, hands-on photography workshop set against the immersive backdrop of Tumbalong Nights in Darling Harbour. Designed for photographers ready to elevate their live event work, this workshop blends real-time shooting experience with guided instruction. Over multiple nights, you’ll photograph emerging and established artists under dramatic stage lighting, neon installations, and the vibrant pulse of Vivid crowds. **What You’ll Experience:** Each session places you in the heart of the action at Tumbalong Park, shooting live performances as they unfold. You’ll receive on-the-spot guidance, creative direction, and feedback to help refine your eye and technique in a real-world setting. **Why This Workshop:** There’s no substitute for shooting live. With the scale, colour, and energy of Vivid as your canvas, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to develop your skills in a high-impact, portfolio-worthy environment We are no longer taking payments via PayPal - tickets can only be purchased through [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/vivid-frames-at-tumbalong-nights-vivid-festival-4835325), [Humanitix](https://events.humanitix.com/tumbalong-nights-at-vivid-festival-music-and-art-photography) or the [website](https://printpixel.org/event/tumbalong-nights-at-vivid-festival-music-and-art-photography/). Payment must be made before your attendance is confirmed.

Stylish Paddington + Rushcutters Bay: 8 Art Galleries

**NOTE:** This event is posted on multiple Meetup groups. **ABOUT:** Explore the sophisticated art galleries of Paddington and Rushcutters Bay on Saturday, June 6. Come along whatever your professional background! Tech, finance, law, real estate, hospitality, healthcare, retail, fashion - all welcome - whether you've engaged with art before or not. Feel at home. This tour will introduce you to Australian and international artists working in painting, photography and sculpture - covering a range of subjects. Listen to fascinating stories. Introduce yourself to each other, make new friends, interact with gallery staff, and have fun! **MEETING TIME:** 12:00 Noon – 12:10 PM. **MEETING POINT:** Outside “Bar Latte”, 29/235 New South Head Road, Edgecliff NSW 2027. The café is right next to Edgecliff Station entry/exit on New South Head Road. You are welcome to buy a coffee. **START AND PROGRAMME:** We will begin at 12.10 PM at Edgecliff Station and move towards Paddington. Midway we will stop at a corner shop where you can enjoy a bite. **END:** We will end the walk by 2:30 PM near the bus stop in Rushcutters Bay for your convenience. **PRICE OF TOUR:** Please pay $20 by cash on arrival. Or you could transfer the amount to: Account Name: Elucidaction Pty Ltd St. George Bank Account Number: 433 012 445, BSB: 112-879 Please send a copy when you make the payment. **IMPORTANT:** * Please check transport in advance. Make sure you sleep well the night before, and leave home early enough in the morning so you can reach the meeting point on time. * Remember to have a good breakfast before arriving which can keep you going during the early afternoon. * Please message if you are running late. * Stay with the group at all times. You are expected to be "present" and socialise with other attendees - please do not talk on the phone to somebody else unless it is urgent. * Please inform the organiser if you want to leave before the end of the walk. * Wear comfortable shoes, a hat or cap, sun protection. Bring a water bottle and an umbrella in case it rains. * Be careful when you explore art galleries. Do not touch surfaces of artworks. * No additional compulsory costs beyond $20. Drinks and snacks are optional – you may also bring your own. * Photos of the group will be clicked and may be posted on Meetup and the organiser’s social media platforms. Attendees who do not wish to be photographed must inform the organiser before the tour begins. * Please update your registration if you are unable to make it to the event. **CONTACT:** Call, text or WhatsApp Tulika at 0402 820 272 if you have any questions. Having lived across India, Thailand, the UK, Canada and Australia, Tulika is an Art and Culture Consultant and founder of the art publication + art consultancy: [https://onartandaesthetics.com/.](https://onartandaesthetics.com/) You can also connect with her on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/tulikabahadur/.](https://www.instagram.com/tulikabahadur/) Email: tulikabahadur[at]gmail[dot]com. For updates on Sydney events, you are welcome to join the WhatsApp group "Sydney Art & Culture Events & Tours": [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BttDzLCa2TTFa2te1Q1FkZ?mode=hqrt1](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BttDzLCa2TTFa2te1Q1FkZ?mode=hqrt1.).

Newtown Sunset shoot with Paige

Join us for a golden hour photography workshop set against the eclectic backdrop of King Street. Think warm flares, soft pastel skies, retro fashion, and cinematic moments dripping in nostalgia. We’ll channel the hazy glamour of vintage LA — from sunlit sidewalks to neon storefronts — as we photograph a styled model dressed in era-inspired looks that echo icons like Farrah Fawcett or Pam Grier. Whether you’re shooting film or digital, this workshop is all about colour, character, and chasing that perfect shot as the sun dips low. This is a previous Newtown sunset event [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRUmSUFzVfk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRUmSUFzVfk) Earlybird tix available up to 7 days before the event We are no longer taking payments via PayPal - tickets can only be purchased through [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/street-shoots-4838530), [Humanitix](https://collections.humanitix.com/street-beach-workshops) or the [website](https://printpixel.org/events/category/streetshoot/list/). Payment must be made before your attendance is confirmed. **What to expect:** – A golden hour session through Newtown’s vibrant streets – A professionally styled model in 70s-inspired fashion – Lighting tips to capture the warmth and grain of vintage LA – Creative direction and feedback in a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere Bring your camera, your creativity, and your love for retro cool. Let’s make magic as the streets glow and the day fades into a neon night.

USYD GREAT HALL

ARTHUR PHILLIP MONUMENT

Life Drawing on Saturday MORNINGS in Marrickville with fantastic models

WELCOME IN 2026 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We're back up and running our weekly Saturday life drawing sessions Join us each Saturday for Drawn Together - Sydney life drawing group for a dynamic and inspiring life drawing session in Marrickville. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, this event offers the perfect opportunity to have fun practicing figure drawing a in a supportive and creative environment. Go to our [booking page](https://www.scratchartspace.com/book/#!/Saturday-MORNING-Life-Drawing-Untutored/p/221095835) to see who we have booked to model. Immerse yourself in a morning of creativity and artistry as you sketch, draw, and bring your ideas to life. Connect with fellow art enthusiasts, exchange techniques, and explore the world of life drawing. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your skills, unleash your creativity, and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to creating and perfecting our art. Book online [here](https://www.scratchartspace.com/book/#!/Saturday-MORNING-Life-Drawing-Untutored/p/221095835).

Vivid Photo Walk - Barangaroo to Darling Harbour

This photo walk will visit some of the light installations on display during the Vivid festival. Starting at Barangaroo and making our way to Darling Harbour in time for the 9:30 Drone Show. We anticipate that it will be fairly busy around the area, and to allow enough time to see & photograph the lights, we may not be covering all installations in these areas on the night. This is a fairly easy walk with lots of stops along the way. We are limiting this walk to only 10 members as it is too difficult to keep a large group together at such a busy event. **DURATION:** Approx 4 hours (up to you when you want to leave) **EQUIPMENT:** Camera, lenses (wide/zoom lens e.g.18-70mm). A tripod and camera remote/cable release are essential for this event. A lot of patience is needed for this event, as there are a lot of photographers and the general public at each of the displays, all of whom have their own agendas. **PERSONAL:** Comfortable walking shoes, water, umbrella/wet weather jacket (if the weather looks bad). **GETTING THERE:** BY TRAIN: Alight at Wynyard Station. It's about a 10-minute walk to Barangaroo For more information about Vivid please visit - (https://www.vividsydney.com/events) COST: $5.00 - There is no refund/transfer of fee for cancellations. Minimum 6 attendees required to proceed. Please Note: By clicking RSVP on this event, you understand that you are attending AT YOUR OWN RISK. We are just organising the event to give you the opportunity to socialise with like-minded people interested in photography and maybe learn something along the way. While all care is taken, no responsibility is taken for any loss or damage/injury to you or your equipment during the event.

Vivid Photo Walk - Circular Quay & The Rocks

This photo walk will visit some of the light installations on display during the Vivid festival. Starting at Customs House in Circular Quay and making our way to the MCA and Overseas Passenger Terminal and the Rocks. We anticipate that it will be fairly busy around the area, and to allow enough time to see & photograph the lights, we may not be covering all installations in these areas on the night. This is a fairly easy walk with lots of stops along the way. We are limiting this walk to only 10 members as it is too difficult to keep a large group together at such a busy event. **DURATION:** Approx 3 hours (up to you when you want to leave) **EQUIPMENT:** Camera, lenses (wide/zoom lens e.g.18-70mm). A tripod and camera remote/cable release are essential for this event. A lot of patience is needed for this event, as there are a lot of photographers and the general public at each of the displays, all of whom have their own agenda. **PERSONAL:** Comfortable walking shoes, water, umbrella/wet weather jacket (if the weather looks bad). **GETTING THERE:** BY BUS: Take a bus to the Circular Quay Station. Customs House is right opposite. We'll meet on the corner of Alfred & Young Streets. Across the street from Customs House to avoid the crowds. BY TRAIN: Alight at Circular Quay Station For more information about Vivid please visit - (https://www.vividsydney.com/events) COST: $5.00 - There is no refund/transfer of fee for cancellations. Minimum 6 attendees required to proceed. Please Note: By clicking RSVP on this event, you understand that you are attending AT YOUR OWN RISK. We are just organising the event to give you the opportunity to socialise with like-minded people interested in photography and maybe learn something along the way. While all care is taken, no responsibility is taken for any loss or damage/injury to you or your equipment during the event.