Chicago Design Week—a partnership between AIGA Chicago, the Chicago Design Museum, and the Society of Typographic Arts—is a chance for designers to converse, collaborate, and learn about new developments in the industry. This year’s theme is Intersections, with a week of programming offering “a deep examination of the various intersections impacting the design world and our broader communities.” The full schedule of events spanning October 20-27 can be found at chicagodesignweek.com. Here are our five best bets:
Fri 10/20-Fri 10/27: The traveling design exhibition “Confluence 20+” showcases the “creative ecologies of Hong Kong.” This week it sets up shop at Block 37 (108 N. State). Noon-7 PM, free
Fri 10/20: Design week hits the start button with the opening of “Hey! Play! Games in Modern Culture,” a new exhibit curated by DePaul University professors Brian Schrank and LeAnne Wagner at the Chicago Design Museum (Block 37, 108 N. State). Artists and designers have written video games reflecting past struggles and newfound insights, available to anyone willing to pick up a controller. Opening reception 5:30-9 PM, $15. Through Fri 10/27
Sat 10/21: At MAS Context: Analog 2017, hosted by MAS Context, a local quarterly journal about urban issues created by the Wicker Park-based MAS Studio, designers discuss their works as they relate to the themes of food, institution, music, and prototype. These chats will run throughout the day at the Joinery (2533 W. Homer). The event also includes a screening of Nathan Eddy’s short documentary Starship Chicago, about the uncertain future of famed architect Helmut Jahn’s James R. Thompson Center screens at 4 PM. 1:30-11 PM, $15 suggested donation
Tue 10/24: James Edmondson, an accomplished type designer based in San Francisco, speaks at Leo Burnett (35 W. Wacker) about how technology can be utilized to create new fonts. Attendees receive $20 of credit toward purchases of Edmondson’s fonts. 6-8:30 PM, $30
Thu 10/26: At the workshop Einstein’s Nightmare: When Our Creations Do Harm, designers are divided into groups and given a creative brief and two hours to complete a fake ad campaign. Much like the advertising industry normally operates, the organizers modify the briefs, testing the team’s design skills and agility. The event takes place at Reunion Chicago (2557 W. North), and snacks and drinks will be provided. 5-8:30 PM, $15
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