In this provocative and playful opening keynote from Co-Lab, a panel of UX and design leaders—including voices from Eleanor Sandford (Disney), Craig Mackintosh (LinkedIn), Cal Thompson (Headspace), and Gordon Ching (The Design Executive Council)—explores the evolving “shape” of UX in a post-pandemic, AI-powered world.

From tectonic plates to compost, wood blocks to walking trees, their metaphors reveal how the field has been fractured, rebuilt, and reimagined through cycles of disruption, technological acceleration, and cultural transformation. The conversation blends humor with hard truths, emphasizing the importance of clarity, collaboration, and maintaining craft in an increasingly experimental environment.

As AI reshapes the way teams build, ship, and scale, these leaders offer fresh perspectives on the tensions between specialization and generalization, the role of researchers in product strategy, and how to redefine quality when “everyone’s a builder.” Whether you’re just dipping into organizational shifts or deep into transformation, this session delivers thought-partner energy, straight talk, and a healthy dose of inspiration for what comes next.

Plus, read the conversation here to dig deeper!