SLASSCOM, AOD to collaborate on topics relevant to knowledge solutions industry
The Sri Lanka Association of Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) and Academy of Design (AOD) intend to collaborate on topics relating to innovation, user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design and design thinking relevant to the knowledge solutions industry.
The other topics of focus include circularity, sustainability and empowering women in the ICT industry.
The memorandum of understanding towards these objectives was signed by SLASSCOM Chairman Ranil Rajapakse and Lin Gong-deutschmann, Managing Director - Design Corp, the holding company of AOD, in the presence of Design Corp founder and Chairperson Linda Speldewinde, Design Corp Business Strategist Sachindi De Silva, SLASSCOM Director and Technology Forum Head Nuwan Perera and SLASSCOM Executive Director Chrishan de Mel.
Gong-deutschmann said: “We see a global movement from industries to countries to embrace and internalise design and creative thinking. Design is no longer only about the look and feel of products or services; it is the start of any intentional creation and it is the fundamental tool to strategise businesses and processes, to entice customers and to create additional value.
A new Mckinsey report indicates that design-led companies have 32 percent more revenue and 56 percent higher total returns than their competitors. As a company, we aspire to make an impact through design and we look forward to this strong partnership with SLASSCOM to create some real value for the Sri Lankan IT and BPM industry.”
Rajapakse commented: “We’re delighted to partner with AOD and explore the synergies that will arise from this collaboration. We see the importance of the Design Thinking approach and effective user interface/user experience design and the role this plays in product design, development and usability. I also take this opportunity to congratulate AOD on commissioning the Colombo Innovation Tower, which will soon be a hub for innovation and design, not only for Sri Lanka but also for the region.”
SLASSCOM is the national chamber for the knowledge and innovation industry in Sri Lanka and acts as the catalyst of growth for the Sri Lankan IT and BPM industry by facilitating trade and business, propagation of education and employment, encouraging research and innovation and by supporting the creation of a progressive national policy.
AOD is a design educator that works in collaboration with industry in creating the next generation of designers and connects and engages their creativity with businesses, brands and commercial platforms that directly influence Sri Lanka and South Asia. AOD is behind Sri Lanka Design Festival, one of its biggest ventures and is an annual platform for designers for design and creative innovation.