Design Nation is presented by Business Today at Princeton University. Design Nation is an all-expenses-paid, 3-day conference for undergraduate students interested in design, UI/UX, product development, computer science, and more. This year, Design Nation is scheduled to take place virtually on April 11th and April 12th, and in-person in NYC on April 18th.
Design is never static, it’s a process that evolves with the world around it. Our conference theme "Morph" celebrates this sense of fluidity, showing that creativity thrives through change and transformation. As ideas shift and adapt, so do the people and communities shaping them. This year, we explore how design morphs from inspiration to impact, not as a product but as an ever-changing force that defines how we think, create, and connect.
This year’s speakers include executives from TIME, Notion, The New Yorker, Adobe, Duolingo, NASA, and Stripe. In the past, we've featured executives from Design Matters, Pentagram, Microsoft, Facebook, Adobe, Google, and more.
During the conference, you will have a chance to network and speak one-on-one with these executives. You can check out our Instagram, @designnationconference, to see our past conferences and to meet the team!
We are looking for not just designers—entrepreneurs, artists, writers, and makers of all backgrounds with a love for design are also welcome. Among many other things, we are looking for individuals with enthusiasm, creativity, leadership, and a love for learning. All applications are considered on a need-blind basis, and all costs are covered for accepted attendees.
** PLEASE NOTE: We will only cover travel expenses to the In-Person Conference for undergraduate students from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. But every student across the US is encouraged to apply and attend our Virtual Conference!**
Skills Required
- Undergraduate student status
- Interest in design, UI/UX, product development, computer science, or other creative fields (entrepreneurs, artists, writers, makers welcome)
- Ability to attend virtual sessions on April 11–12
- Ability to attend the in-person NYC conference on April 18 (note: travel expenses covered only for students from NY, NJ, CT, PA)
- Enthusiasm, creativity, leadership, and a demonstrated love for learning
What We Do
Business Today provides small and medium-sized business owners and managers with the knowledge and skills to improve their businesses through educational seminars, a national magazine for entrepreneurs, and a research board. Founded in 1968, it aims to be a leading forum for student-executive interaction, notably through the Design Nation conference, which connects undergraduate students with industry leaders to explore design across various industries.
