The Dyson School of Design Engineering welcomed American technologist and designer John Maeda for its third annual Commencement Lecture, marking the start of the 2026/7 academic year. The lecture, which brings together students, staff, alumni, and friends of the department, is a highlight of the School’s academic calendar, celebrating the beginning of a new year and engaging with ideas shaping the future of design and engineering.
Maeda, author of The Laws of Simplicity and How to Speak Machine, and former President of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), shared three decades of experience across design, technology, and academia. He addressed the question of what happens when the boundary between design and engineering disappears. Drawing on his personal and professional experiences, Maeda explored the increasing convergence of these disciplines and how this shift is reshaping approaches to complex challenges. He also reflected on how artificial intelligence is transforming both fields and shaping his own practice and career trajectory.
The event was opened by Professor Omar Matar, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, followed by remarks from Professor Mary Ryan, Vice Provost for Research and Enterprise. Professor Ryan discussed Imperial’s Science for Humanity strategy and the university’s commitment to convergence science. Professor Robert Shorten, Head of the Dyson School of Design Engineering, also addressed the audience.
Design and Engineering Are the Same Job Now
