Humanity is the loop: Leading design in the AI era

A talk by Shani Sandy, VP, Experience Design at IBM

AI promises efficiency, productivity, and scale. But what about humanity? 

As design leaders, we must step into the role of ensuring AI amplifies human potential rather than diminishes it. 

Drawing from leading her team’s pivot into AI-powered experiences, Shani's talk explores the tensions, transformations, and trust-building required when your high-touch business goes touchless. Learn how to keep human problems at the centre when everyone else is chasing the latest in AI.

Shani Sandy

VP, Experience Design at IBM

Shani is an artist, multidisciplinary designer, and executive who believes in the transformative power of design. Shani serves as VP, Experience Design at IBM leading design-driven innovation. Her mission is advancing human-centred design with an emphasis on crafting desirable and valuable products, services, and experiences alongside cultivating the design culture. 

Prior to joining IBM, Shani was the Executive Creative Director at S&P Global in New York City, where she built an in-house agency that led the enterprise-wide Creative Strategy, Communication Design, and UX practices. From launching her independent design studio in 2002, to present day, Shani continues to explore the many possibilities of a creative calling.

Shani is actively engaged in the creative and design community and has a passion for nurturing emerging talent. She serves on the board of the Design Management Institute and her work has been cited by Harvard Business School and archived by Stanford University.

Shani holds a BA in Art History and BFA in Painting and Computer Art from Tufts University along with an MBA from the Berlin School of Creative Leadership. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanisandy/