As AI Reshapes Design, Think UX 2026 Brings the Industry Together in Lagos

Rather than getting caught up in debates about whether artificial intelligence will take designers' jobs or whether it is ultimately good or bad for the industry, Think UX 2026 is shifting attention to a more practical conversation: what does it take to design, build and create meaningful digital experiences in the age of AI?

As artificial intelligence continues to influence product development, design processes and creative workflows, designers are being challenged to rethink how they work, the skills they bring to the table and the value they offer.

This is the conversation at the centre of Think UX 2026, which returns to Lagos on Saturday, 7 November, under the theme “UX in the Era of AI.” The conference will bring together designers, technology professionals, product managers, founders and other creative practitioners to explore how AI is changing the industry and what these changes mean for the future of design.

Think UX: Building a Platform for Design Learning and Collaboration

Organised by UX Thrive, Think UX is an annual design and technology conference created to encourage learning, collaboration and professional development within the design community.

The initiative is part of an effort to bridge the gap between learning design and building meaningful careers in the technology industry. Through mentorship, practical learning programmes and industry engagement, UX Thrive supports emerging designers as they develop their skills and navigate professional opportunities.

Think UX extends this work by creating a space where designers, developers, product managers, technology founders, students and other creative professionals can exchange ideas and learn from experienced practitioners.

The conference has grown through its previous editions, with its 2025 event marking a significant milestone.

Held on 29 November 2025 at The Zone, Gbagada, Lagos, the conference explored the theme “From Users to Experiences.” It recorded more than 2,000 registrations, with over 1,000 people attending physically.

The programme featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking opportunities and a live design competition. Two competition winners received ₦500,000 each.

With its 2026 edition, Think UX is turning its attention to one of the developments currently reshaping the design and technology industries: artificial intelligence.

What to Expect at Think UX 2026

Think UX 2026 will feature keynote presentations, industry panel discussions, practical masterclasses and networking opportunities. It was created to encourage conversations around how AI is influencing design practices, product development and creative careers.

For designers and other technology professionals, these discussions offer an opportunity to examine the possibilities AI presents, understand its implications for their work and consider the skills needed to remain relevant in an evolving industry.

The conference will also feature speakers, panellists and facilitators from different areas of design, technology and the creative industry, including Dara Sobaloju, Samuel Irinyemi, Kachi Kalu, Tina Brown, Amarachi I., Rukayyah Yaro, Samuel Lasisi, Nuel Wagunchu, Fawz Ibrahim and Ruth Douglas, among others.

Through their contributions, the event will provide different perspectives on the challenges and opportunities emerging at the intersection of design, technology and artificial intelligence.

Practical Learning Through Industry Masterclasses

Beyond keynote presentations and panel discussions, Think UX 2026 will feature practical masterclasses addressing specific areas of product development, design systems and brand identity.

Three featured sessions will explore:

Beyond Components: Building Design Systems That Scale

As digital products grow, maintaining consistency across their interfaces becomes increasingly important. This masterclass will explore how designers can build effective design systems that support growing products and create more structured design processes.

From Idea to MVP: Building Real Products With AI

Artificial intelligence is creating new possibilities for turning ideas into functional products. This session will examine practical approaches to using AI in product development, particularly in moving from an initial concept to a minimum viable product (MVP).

Beyond the Logo: Building Brand Identities That Stand Out

A brand's identity extends beyond its logo. This masterclass will explore the principles behind creating distinctive visual identities and how designers can develop branding that communicates a clear and recognisable message.

Together, the sessions will provide opportunities for participants to explore practical approaches to their work and develop a broader understanding of the skills needed across the design process.

The ₦500,000 Design Duo Challenge

One of the major highlights of Think UX 2026 is the ₦500,000 Design Duo Challenge, a competition that encourages collaboration between two distinct areas of design: brand identity and user experience.

The challenge brings together teams comprising one brand identity designer and one UI/UX designer. Rather than working independently, participants are expected to combine their skills to develop a cohesive brand identity and digital product experience.

For the qualifying round, teams are tasked with creating a brand identity and digital product experience for MoveLagos, a fictional urban mobility platform.

Participants are required to submit their work through social media, after which shortlisted teams will advance to the live competition at the conference. The winning team will receive ₦500,000.

With submissions closing on 1 November 2026, the competition provides an opportunity for designers to demonstrate their creative abilities, collaborate across disciplines and present their work to a wider professional audience.

Celebrating Design Excellence Through TUXA 2026

Think UX 2026 will also feature The UX Design Awards (TUXA), an initiative developed to recognise outstanding contributions within the design and technology ecosystem.

The awards celebrate achievements across areas such as user experience, product design, innovation, mentorship, thought leadership and community development.

Beyond recognising individual accomplishments, TUXA seeks to increase visibility for African design talent and celebrate the people and initiatives contributing to the growth of the industry.

Its inclusion in the conference programme adds another dimension to the event, creating space not only for learning and professional conversations but also for recognising meaningful contributions to design.

Think UX 2026: Event Details and Registration

As artificial intelligence continues to influence the technology industry, conversations about the future of design are becoming increasingly important. For professionals working in UX, product design and related fields, understanding these changes is part of preparing for what comes next.

Think UX 2026 provides a platform for these conversations, bringing together people with different experiences and perspectives to explore the evolving relationship between design and technology.

The conference will hold on Saturday, 7 November 2026, at Tripple C Event Center, Sabo Yaba, Lagos. You can  get your tickets at: https://thinkux.ng/get-tickets/. They also have community tickets at: https://thinkux.ng/communityticket/

For designers, technology professionals, students and creative practitioners interested in the future of digital experiences, Think UX 2026 offers an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, build connections and engage with the changes shaping the industry.