Join author Wayne K. Li and designer Courtney Garvin for a conversation and book signing exploring Design Empathy and Contextual Awareness: Frames of Reference for the 21st Century Creative (Laurence King, 2025).
At the heart of this book is an expanded understanding of design—not simply as a professional discipline or problem-solving method, but as a way of thinking, engaging with others, and navigating the world.
The book makes complex design behaviors accessible through four interconnected themes:

• Foundation: Design as a whole-brain activity
• Design Behaviors: Design as a whole-life activity
• Empathy: Understanding cognitive and emotional empathy, and the role of compassionate concern
• Contextual Awareness: Cultivating your designer’s sixth sense

Together, these themes offer a framework for developing the creative mindset, human-centered perspective, and contextual sensitivity essential to design in the 21st century.
The book serves as the textbook for Lesley University College of Art and Design’s Design Thinking & Research, a General Education course open to students across all majors. The course is taught by Dr. Kristina Lamour Sansone, Professor of Design, AIGA Design Educators Community (AIGA DEC) Steering Committee Member, and 2026 Throughlines Conference Co-Chair.

MEET THE AUTHOR
Wayne K. Li is a professor at Georgia Tech, interdisciplinary design researcher, and former IDEO product designer. His career spans engineering, industrial design, and innovation leadership at Ford and Pottery Barn.

MEET THE DESIGNER
Courtney Garvin is a professor at Georgia Tech and interdisciplinary designer working across graphic design, industrial design, interactive media, and design strategy. Her work has been recognized by AIGA and featured in Communication Arts, HOW, Print, and ID.

EVENT DETAILS
Location: Lesley University, University Hall Amphitheater, Room 2-150
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Program: Conversation and book signing with Wayne and Courtney. Copies of the book will be available for purchase through Porter Square Books.
Open free to the Lesley community with ID and the professional design community through AIGA Boston.