Speakers
Guest Lecture with Trevor Vaugh, Public Service Design Lead, Dept. of Public Expenditure and Reform
We have an unprecedented opportunity to shape an exciting future through innovation. As we navigate rapid technological advances, it’s important to recognise that while traditional technologies are essential for progress, they alone are not enough. To truly benefit people and society, we need to complement traditional technology with something equally vital—social technology. While traditional technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible, social technology, rooted in empathy, creativity, and collaboration, ensures that these developments meet deeper human needs. Grounded in sensemaking, craft, beauty, and even fun, social technology enables us to create solutions that go beyond growth, efficiency and profit, delivering genuine meaning and impact. By combining traditional technology with human-centred design, we can foster innovations that don’t just disrupt, but genuinely improve lives. This approach helps us create a future were technology and humanity work in harmony. Drawing on examples from Trevor’s work, this talk explores how design thinking, as a form of social technology, provides a vital balance between the technical and the human, creating innovations that are sustainable, meaningful, and truly transformative
Trevor Vaugh is a renowned expert in Design-Driven innovation, Trevor chairs the 'Design in Government' expert working group. He is recognised for his leadership in national design initiatives and his significant media contributions, including his work as an expert of RTÉ’s 'The Big Life Fix' series. His work co- creating the AI voice technology for veteran journalist Charlie Bird reflects his profound impact and passion for design-driven innovation. Trevor's healthcare innovations have earned him over 50 patents and numerous awards, notably securing a place in the Cleveland Clinics top ten innovations for his work on ‘LESS’ surgery.