Dyson School of Design Engineering welcomes John Maeda for its annual Commencement Lecture

In his talk, the acclaimed author, technologist and designer explored the disappearing boundary between design and engineering.

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.

Bringing together students, staff, alumni, and friends of the department, the lecture has become a regular fixture and one a highlight of the School’s academic calendar – an opportunity to both celebrate the beginning of a new year and engage with the ideas shaping the future of design and engineering.

“Design and Engineering Are the Same Job Now”

Author of The Laws of Simplicity and How to Speak Machine, former President of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and the first recipient of the White House National Design Award, Maeda brought three decades of experience across design, technology and academia to answer a very timely question: what happens when the boundary between design and engineering disappears?

Drawing on his personal and professional experiences, Maeda explored how the two disciplines are increasingly converging, and how this shift is reshaping the way we approach complex challenges. In his highly interactive talk, he also reflected on how artificial intelligence is not only transforming both fields but also shaping his own practice and career trajectory, from his early work in computational design to navigating a quickly changing professional landscape.  

The evening was opened by Professor Omar Matar, a new Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, followed by opening remarks from Professor Mary Ryan, Vice Provost for Research and Enterprise. Professor Ryan spoke about Imperial’s Science for Humanity strategy and the university’s commitment to convergence science – a theme setting the stage for Maeda’s exploration of the increasingly blurred boundary between design and engineering. Following the event, audience heard from Professor Robert Shorten, Head of the Dyson School of Design Engineering. 

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Watch the full recording of John Maeda's talk on the Dyson School YouTube channel: