At the 2023 International Design Conference (IDC) in New York, Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman participated in a compelling panel titled “Beyond the Hype: Establishing Authentic Design Strategy.” Joined by fellow panelists Julia Burke, Daniela Macías, and Emilie Williams, and moderated by Katie Lim, the conversation addressed what it takes to build design strategies that are not only innovative but also grounded in real organizational and human needs.

The panelists explored how authentic design strategy extends beyond surface-level trends or industry jargon. Instead, they emphasized the importance of purposeful collaboration, inclusive leadership, and cross-functional alignment—critical components for building trust and achieving long-term impact in today’s design-driven organizations.

Drawing from a wide range of professional experiences, each speaker shared how their teams navigate complexity, communicate across disciplines, and maintain a human-centered mindset. One of the session’s central themes was the power of interdisciplinary collaboration—bridging the often siloed worlds of design, engineering, product development, and business.

The conversation reinforced that authenticity in design is about intention, empathy, and strategic clarity. A strong design culture doesn’t just happen; it must be nurtured through thoughtful leadership and ongoing dialogue.

For Interwoven Design Group, these insights felt particularly resonant. The studio’s mission—to weave together disciplines, ideas, and people through collaborative, human-centered design—reflects many of the principles discussed during the session. Participating in the event provided both inspiration and validation for the firm’s continued efforts to apply authentic design strategy across projects large and small.