At Design Indaba’s 25th anniversary, designer and creative leader Robert Wong reflected on what it means to create in an age defined by complexity and constant change. As Chief Creative Officer of Google Creative Lab, Wong’s work sits at the intersection of technology, storytelling and human experience, his talk unpacked how design can move beyond problem-solving becoming a tool for creating meaning.
Wong emphasises that designers are no longer simply shaping objects or interfaces but are creating systems of interaction that influence how people understand the world and as a result must remain deeply human. While digital tools and platforms continue to expand what is possible, Wong believes the role of the designer is to anchor innovation in empathy, curiosity and cultural awareness. Sharing his journey at Google Creative Lab, Robert Wong suggests his most impactful work, came from asking better questions rather than rushing toward answers. In a world increasingly defined by complexity, Wong’s message is clear: the designer’s role is both sense-making and creating better futures.
Watch the full Design Indaba talk here.
