How it works

two parts design thinking, one part punk rock show

 

Experience Design Throwdown is something special consisting of two parts design thinking, one part punk rock show. It was born out of an intense love for the type of frenetic collaboration that usually only occurs locked away in innovation labs and sexy agency open spaces. The idea was to set that magic free and celebrate it as a spectator sport.

The idea occurred to us in November 2018 as a way to celebrate what we do as problem solvers in an inclusive way that demystifies fancy research and design methodologies. A way to bring together people who are experts in the community to work along side those who are curious and starting out all for a common cause.

  • The teams get to be rockstars in the pit for the night as they compete head-to-head on the problem space.  

  • The spectators get to witness the action unfold while armchair quarterbacking, learning a thing or two and throwing back drinks. 

  • The problem spaces chosen for XD Throwdowns come from local non-profits and the winning team makes a commitment to help bring their idea to life.

Take a look at some of our past events to get a feel.

Design As Sport = Competition, Bragging Rights, Individual Achievement and Teamwork
For a Good Cause (logos representing non-profits)
Schematic depicting a bird's eye view sketch of an XD Throwdown event
 

So, what the heck is XDT: Free Skate?

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This is not the larger XD Throwdown competition event; it’s something different 🤔

Think of it as our version of:

  • An open mic night to work out your routine

  • A gym to get in shape or keep fit

  • A skate park where you’ll learn your first ollie or perfect your 360 pop shove it…

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XD Throwdown

  • Focused on competition - Design as Sport

  • In person

  • Must organize a team and apply to participate

  • An audience of your peers watches your every move

  • Should probably do some planning before you get up in front of 100-200 people…

  • Defined problem spaces both teams work on

  • The XDT crew provides research opportunities

  • Winning team commits to help the non-profit realize their vision

vs.

XDT: Free Skate

  • A much more casual, practice environment

  • Fully remote

  • Can roll with a posse or show up solo and be added to a team

  • You’ll present your work only to others that are participating that night

  • Can show up on event night with very little prep - It’s a learning experience

  • Teams can work on whatever they want! Bring your own problem or choose from our grab bag

  • You’ll have to be creative and scrappy to do your research

  • Teams are free to do whatever they want with their ideas afterward