In 2026, the Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC) marks its 25th anniversary. Stay tuned for updates on planned initiatives and events.

The Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC), in its 24th year, continued to advance the role of design as a strategic driver of economic, social, and environmental outcomes. As an interdisciplinary research group and advisory body, DIAC convened expertise across design disciplines to demonstrate and communicate the impact and value of design to industry and communities, across sectors.

We The Others (2024) is a captivating film about Brazilian brothers and design icons Fernando and Humberto Campana whose studio, Estudio Campana, gained international recognition for its unique approach to design. Over the past 40 years, the Campana brothers left an indelible mark on the design world, blurring the lines between art, craft, and furniture.

The decommissioning of the Scarborough Rapid Transit presents a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity. Rather than spending millions to dismantle and demolish the infrastructure, we have the chance to transform it into a community asset that supports inclusive economies, sustainable mobility, local arts and culture, and healthy recreational spaces.

On January 28th, 2025, the Institute for Inclusive Economies & Sustainable Livelihoods (IIESL), in collaboration with DIAC, hosted a one-day design charrette at the University of Toronto Scarborough to explore the future of the decommissioned Scarborough Rapid Transit (SRT). 

What if, instead of spending hundreds of millions to tear down the Scarborough Rapid Transit (SRT) infrastructure, we transformed it into a vibrant and iconic community space that fosters local arts and culture, promotes sustainable mobility, provides healthy recreational options and supports inclusive local economies?

DIAC is partnering with Seneca Polytechnic “Design for Social Change” course in the Graphic Design program to develop strategies and recommendations to engage stakeholders, especially policymakers and businesses while showcasing the vital role of the Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC) in promoting the value of design.