Dysarium Design Conference

Yurii Bakay Solomia Marchak Hordiy Vasylash

Dysarium is the largest non-commercial design conference in Lviv and Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The theme of this year's event " Design in Difficult Times" addressed how design can improve people's lives and make them more comfortable. It aimed to provide them with a sense of peace and improve their quality of life for individuals and the cities they live in. It aimed to demonstrate how simple and understandable design can improve everything around them and how it helps even in the most challenging times. The main goal of Dysarium is to show that actual designers are formed only by those who truly never stop. From those who can say, "I create in difficult times." Which has become the slogan of the event. We set for ourselves to talk about difficult times without the lens of sadness, sorrow, or hopelessness. We aimed to create an event that would inspire moving forward. It would show that despite everything, we are needed and that design thrives in any conditions. Therefore, we had to balance two edges: to create a bright, engaging design that can truly energize yet present it appropriately in the context of the war in the country. Unfortunately, many moments are triggering and difficult for most Ukrainians right now. So, we began a deep analysis of what we avoid and, conversely, depict in our design. We completely abandoned black-and-white design, oppressive moments, and aggressive imagery. We realized that difficult times are not about decline but about struggle. Perhaps it is a crazy, strange, and very unstructured struggle, but it is still a struggle. Therefore, with all our appearance, we wanted to convey everything stated above. To show each of us how design saves and fills everything with color and meaning. To show how it can sometimes be foolish, wrong, or senseless. To convey our inner chaos and, at the same time, our thirst for creating something new. So, brainstorming after brainstorming gradually led us to the realization that all of us designers in Ukraine are somewhat like dinosaurs. We could have been stars or ordinary people, but no. And what do we mean by that, you may ask? We, designers in Ukraine, have achieved everything through our incredible efforts and searches. We are all somewhat self-taught. We didn't have access to design schools and didn't have enough literature and information to shape our knowledge. The design progress in Ukraine was happening quite slowly, and quality education only appeared recently. So, like actual dinosaurs, we fought against the realities and time. That's why Dysarium is for everyone, regardless of whether you are an expert in any of the listed fields or a novice. We need to create something cool together in such difficult times. We indeed achieved something incredible because we organized the event within three months, thanks to a super-inspired team of enthusiasts. On October 22, 2023, our Dysarium took place, where more than 1,500 participants gathered. We also live-streamed the event, which around 1,000 people watched — this remarkable number of people united by their love for design and everything we create together. We gathered incredible speakers such as Thierry Brunfaut, Stefan Sagmeister, Vitaly Friedman, Ken Segall, and many prestigious Ukrainian names. Meeting people of such caliber was indeed an unforgettable experience for all designers. However, our main achievement is all the feedback we received after the event. So now we are boldly preparing for Dysarium 2024 and genuinely appreciate what we accomplished in 2023.