DAVAO CITY — A design conference promoting innovation, collaboration, and skill-building is coming to Davao. User Experience Philippines (UXPH) is set to hold its Islands in Motion event in the city on August 23, 2025, as part of a three-city nationwide roadshow.

The announcement was made by Mr. Aldrich Tan, Managing Director of UXPH, during a recent forum hosted by the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA). He said the conference is meant to strengthen regional design communities and promote a more inclusive approach to digital innovation.

“We are not just doing events—we are building ecosystems,” Tan said. “This roadshow aims to highlight the creative and technical strengths of local communities like Davao.”

UXPH is a nonprofit organization based in Manila that focuses on promoting user experience (UX) design, especially among students, professionals, educators, and local businesses. The organization is working with community partners such as UX Davao and CebUXD for the regional rollout of the event.

The Davao leg will be a full-day conference, featuring:

• Talks from experienced designers and industry leaders
  
• Hands-on workshops
  
• Networking opportunities for both creatives and non-designers
  

Tan emphasized that the conference is open to all backgrounds.

“You do not need to be a designer or have an IT background to join,” he said. “The skills we teach—like storytelling, empathy, and problem-solving—are useful across sectors, including education and governance.”

He also shared that UXPH has supported several emerging design communities in places like General Santos City and Bohol, helping organize local events and mentorship programs.

One notable example cited during the forum was a student team in Davao that developed an app for individuals with Down syndrome. According to Tan, this kind of initiative reflects the talent and potential present in regional areas.

“These are the types of innovations we want to showcase,” he said. “UXPH is here to support them.”

Beyond the roadshow, UXPH continues to host monthly events and collaborates with institutions like the Design Center of the Philippines to expand access to design education nationwide.

The August 23 conference will be held in Davao City proper. Further details, including the venue and ticket information, will be announced on UXPH’s official social media pages.

Those interested in joining the event are encouraged to follow UXPH online for updates and registration schedules.