The Untitled Designers Conference (UDC) will return to Lagos on October 16 and 17, 2026, at Regina Hall, bringing together designers, creative professionals, technology enthusiasts and industry leaders under the theme “Human By Design: Where Culture, Code and Creativity Meet.” Sponsored by Google x Canva, the conference will explore how human experiences, cultural identity and technological innovation are shaping the future of design, while creating opportunities for learning, collaboration and professional growth within Africa’s creative industry.
Founded in 2022, UDC emerged from a need for a more connected African design community, offering practitioners access to mentorship, industry relationships, professional resources and opportunities that can accelerate their careers. The conference has recorded steady growth, welcoming more than 700 attendees in its inaugural edition, over 1,000 in 2023, more than 1,500 in 2024 and over 3,000 in 2025. For its 2026 edition, the organisers expect to welcome at least 3,000 attendees, building on a community that reported members across more than 15 cities in Africa and beyond by 2025.
The vision behind the conference reflects the professional journey of its founder, Marvis, who began working in graphic and brand design around 2019 and 2020 before transitioning into product design. His interest gradually expanded from creating visual identities and promotional materials to developing products capable of solving practical problems. As he moved into entrepreneurship and product development, he recognised the challenges facing emerging African designers, particularly the limited access to experienced mentors, industry decision makers and professional networks. UDC was established to help bridge these gaps by connecting designers with established practitioners, companies and peers who can support their development.
With its 2026 theme, the conference places renewed attention on the relationship between human needs, cultural expression and the growing influence of technology in creative practice. As artificial intelligence and digital tools continue to reshape design workflows, the industry faces important questions about originality, cultural relevance and the role of human insight in creating meaningful experiences. UDC aims to provide a platform for these conversations while strengthening the relationships and skills that can help African designers compete and contribute on a global scale.
Get your ticket at untitleddesigners.com
#UDC2026 #HumanByDesign #UntitledDesignersIsHere
