The first ICED conference took place in Rome in 1983. Since then, the ICED conference has been held every two years at leading technical universities around the world. The 2021 conference is expected to have 600 participants.
The theme for ICED21 is Design in motion – embracing changes in society. It will cover a wide range of areas, for example how to live in a world where societal challenges and technological advancements fundamentally alter the conditions for designers and product developers. The economy is turning circular and products are being designed to be sustainable, connected and intelligent.

"The way we produce and use energy and information radically change both our products and our means to design our products," says Professor Ola Isaksson (portrait), professor of product development at the Department of Industrial and Materials Science.
"Adapting products to social and health development, highlights the importance of design for human well-being. As such we design “solutions” rather than “products”, and in many ways, Design is in motion."
At the conference, researchers and practicing engineers will discuss how technical and social challenges such as circular economy, automation and sustainable energy production place new demands and provide new opportunities for product developers. New solutions for the transport and health sectors will be in focus.
A proof of excellence
Professor Ola Isaksson chairs the Organizing Committee conference:
“We are incredibly pleased that the
Design Society has chosen Chalmers as organizer for ICED21. It is a confirmation that Chalmers product development research is internationally leading, and that Gothenburg is well known as an high-tech industrial cluster characterized by intensive collaboration between the university and industry."
For more information
PhD Massimo Panarotto, tel +46 31 772 67 85
Date: 16–20 August, 2021
Location: Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre, Gothenburg, Sweden
ICED21 web
See ICED21 presentation film