Game changers

In terms of design being used as a force for change, Gonnissen believes that to "set something in motion" is part of a designer's remit.

"This curious and open mindset is what all designers have in common," she says. "They think in change, they think in possibilities. Good design is about a better world. The world faces a number of complex issues: climate change, great economic and social inequality, housing shortages, the transition to renewable energy, education systems. These complex problems and stalled systems have no simple solutions."

However, she hastens to add, the creativity of designers can help bring about "the major culture change that's needed".

Multidisciplinary designer and artist Lo Chi-wing - named DFA World's Outstanding Chinese Designer 2015 - was also part of The Masters Roundtable: Design for Change discussion. The renowned creator seemed to sum up the general mood of the event with a call to designers across all spheres to focus on how their work can make a difference.

"One of the rising hurdles for sustainability is design itself," says Lo. "If design is for the sake of being different, being colorful or for the pleasure to shock; if it is for a joke, a trick, a shallow motif; if it is not for the love of humanity; if it does not illuminate our eye nor nourish our soul - then we should never design."