Design Wisconsin 2025 was truly inspiring. Each year this gathering grows in momentum, bringing together creatives, educators, and innovators from across the Midwest. This year felt like the strongest yet. Hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Stout, the event continues to strengthen the design ecosystem in our region, encouraging collaboration, curiosity, and recognition across every corner of the design world.
A sincere thank-you to Dave Richter-O’Connell and Jennifer Astwood for their leadership in shaping and championing this event. Their dedication, along with the support of the entire UW-Stout team, has built something truly meaningful for our community.
A Special Year for Forma
This year carried extra significance for us. In addition to showcasing our work and meeting talented designers, we had the privilege of hosting the official kickoff gathering and introducing our new name and brand identity: Forma.
Opening our studio to sponsors, alumni, students, faculty, partners, and regional design leaders was an honor. Launching our new brand surrounded by this community marked the start of an exciting chapter, and we could not have imagined a more supportive group to celebrate with.
Conversations throughout the night touched on the future of design, the evolution of physical-to-digital brand experiences, the strength of the Wisconsin creative community, and plenty of moments reflecting on our shared Stout roots. The energy was high, the ideas were flowing, and the sense of community was real.
Special thanks to:
- DJ Gregor Mittersinker and Michael Leighton for setting the tone with great music
- Primordial Soup and Logan Ernster for the generous beer donation
- Everyone who stopped by, supported, and helped make the night unforgettable
Why Events Like This Matter
Design Wisconsin represents so much more than a gathering. It showcases the talent emerging from our region, the bold thinking of local businesses, and the collaborative spirit that continues to shape the future of design and innovation in Wisconsin.
