XII International Design Congress of Havana
(FORMA 2025)
JUNE 27 TO 30, 2025
FLIGHTS LEAVE MIAMI ON JUNE 26, 2025
ABOUT THE XII International Design Congress, FORMA 2025
FORMA 2025 will be held at the Palacio de las Convenciones in Havana, from June 27 to 30, 2025. Under the theme “Design and Intelligences,” the Congress aims to explore the impact of artificial intelligence and other forms of intelligence on the field of design. This international event invites designers, educators, and industry professionals to engage in discussions on the evolution of the profession, social responsibility in design, and the integration of AI in design processes.
Havana will host the XII International Design Congress, FORMA 2025, at its Convention Palace from June 27 to 30, 2025. Under the theme “Design and Intelligences,” the event invites the global design community to reflect on the impact of emerging intelligences on designer training and professional practice.
As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, its potential impacts on various fields become a central concern. This ongoing epistemological and ethical debate touches on the essence of humanity’s relationship with the environment and how it transforms nature, society, and thought. Design is no exception to these discussions and requires a diverse approach. It must address not only the influence of artificial intelligence on the profession, but also its connection to all forms of intelligence—emotional, logical, linguistic, mathematical, intrapersonal, and interpersonal—to preserve the human essence of the field.
As in previous editions, the Congress will feature a variety of events, providing designers, creative academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs from around the world a platform for debate and exchange. FORMA 2025 will also offer a unique opportunity to explore the theoretical and practical contributions of the Cuban design community.
We invite you to engage in deep, meaningful discussions on the challenges facing the profession, confident that a more humane and sustainable world can only be achieved through Design and Intelligences.
XII Training Meeting of Design Professionals, Communication, and the Arts
- The didactics of creative processes and the role of intelligences in fostering creativity.
- Emotional, logical, linguistic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal intelligences in enhancing teaching and learning processes.
- Artificial intelligence: Advantage or disadvantage in the training of designers?
IX Design and Communication Meeting
- Design as a means of building and preserving identity, culture, and heritage.
- Communication and design in promoting and developing intelligences.
- The impact of contemporary communication theories on professional practice.
- Design and intelligences in shaping social imaginaries.
- AI and design: Challenges for maintaining the authenticity of the profession.
VI International Workshop on Design, Production, and Industry
- Design in industry and socially responsible production.
- The dematerialization of industry and design in self-production.
- The role of the profession in managing innovation, entrepreneurship, and development.
- Design and local development: Designing versus producing.
- AI as an accelerator or inhibitor of creativity.
- Challenges of intellectual property and the use of AI in design and production.
VII International Forum on Diversity and Sustainable Development
- Design as a tool for societal and human development.
- The environmental impact of the profession.
- Forms of participation and social inclusion through design.
- Endogenous development, gender perspectives, and diversity in design.
- The role of intelligences in creating human-centered, socially responsible design.
V International Symposium on Research and Graduate Studies in Design
- Research and design: The relationship between design, theory, and science.
- Collaboration and international projects in design.
- Academic mobility and joint training initiatives.
- Doctoral training in design: Challenges and opportunities.
- The role of AI in advancing the profession and professional growth.
Multidisciplinary approaches in design research.
- Keynote Lectures: Delivered in the plenary room by distinguished international experts in design and communication.
- Expert Panels and Round Tables: Sessions focused on discussing key topics, sharing perspectives, and developing actionable plans.
- Poster Presentations: A dedicated space for showcasing posters.
- Special Presentations: Presentations highlighting impactful projects with significant social and international relevance.
- Associated Exhibition: In the Main Hall of the Palacio de las Convenciones, companies, professionals, universities, advertising agencies, and specialized firms—both local and international—will have opportunities to display and promote their products, services, designs, and materials related to the event’s theme.
- Simultaneous Translation: English-Spanish translation will be available during plenary sessions and major activities throughout the Congress.
Selected papers will be published in the official event report by Ediciones FORMA, with an official ISBN.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Abstract Deadline – March 10, 2025
- Final Payment Deadline – May 10, 2025
- Reception of Full Text for Publication – May 10, 2025
- Depart for Cuba – June 26, 2025
- Main Conference Begins – June 27, 2025
- Main Conference Ends – June 30, 2025
- Departure back to U.S. – July 1st,2025
This Workshop will be presented in English and in Spanish with English Translation
Attending the Congress of Design in Havana, Cuba, provides a valuable opportunity to engage with a city that is both historically rich and creatively dynamic. Havana serves as a vibrant hub where tradition and innovation intersect, offering an ideal setting for the exploration and celebration of design in its many forms. This congress not only facilitates the exchange of ideas but also offers a platform for networking with design professionals from around the world, all within the context of one of the most culturally significant cities globally. It is an event that combines professional development, cross-cultural collaboration, and the opportunity to experience design in an inspiring and culturally affluent environment.
The city offers a living museum of design, showcasing colonial and modern styles through its iconic streets, vibrant neighborhoods, and contemporary spaces. Participants will experience the connection between design theory and practical application, gaining insights that can be directly utilized in their work.
Don’t miss the chance to witness firsthand how design is making an impact in Cuba and to be a part of a global conversation on how we can transform the world around us. Traveling to Havana for the Congress of Design is a decision that will leave you inspired, motivated, and equipped to drive change in your practice.
FORMA 2025 offers a unique opportunity to network with global design professionals, academics, and companies. The event will foster international collaborations and partnerships, promoting innovation and exchange of ideas in design, education, and industry.
Attendees will experience Cuba’s vibrant culture, from its rich artistic heritage to its local traditions. Opportunities for social and cultural activities will be offered, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the environment that shapes the local design and creative industries.
All proposals can be submitted and presented in Spanish or English. Your thematic area can be related to any of the workshop themes.
The full text for publication will be submitted for blind peer review to be approved and published in the memories of the event. Text length is between 6-10 pages. References in APA 2016 (citation index). All proposals must follow this format to be included in the Academic Program.
Once you receive notification of your proposal’s acceptance, you must send the Academic Committee your presentation in PowerPoint or an equivalent format.
In all cases, participants will interact through the congress website. All participants will be sent the link to join the event one week before it begins.
FORMAT OF THE PAPERS
- Maximum length of 10 pages
- Times New Roman, size 12
- Text justified
- Single-spaced
- Double-spaced between paragraphs
- Margins: Normal (2.5 cm on each side)
STRUCTURE OF PAPERS
- Title of the paper (in Spanish and English)
- Authors’ details (first name and surname, institution to which they belong, e-mail, ORCID number)
- Abstract (in English and Spanish, up to 150 words)
- Keywords (English and Spanish, up to 5)
- Introduction
- Materials and methods
- Main Results
- Conclusions
- Bibliographical references (at least 10, with more than 60% from the last 5 years)
Commission presentations should be at least 10 minutes long with a maximum of 15 minutes.
Presentations done in English will not be translated. Presentation slides should be submitted in either PowerPoint or PDF format. Slides can be written in English or Spanish.
Translated handouts in PDF Format are always welcomed.
Each presentation is limited to 15 minutes.
Posters should have dimensions of no more than 90 centimeters (36 inches) vertical x 60 centimeters (24 inches) horizontal.
Posters must contain: Title of the research, authors’ data (names and surnames, institutional affiliation, e-mail, country), an abstract, justification, general objective, theoretical approach, methodology, and results of the research.
Posters can be in English or Spanish. Translated handouts in PDF Format are always welcomed.
Files should be in an mp4 format no more than 15 minutes in length. They must contain the title of the research and the author’s data (names and surnames, institutional affiliation, e-mail, country). Complete audiovisual work must be submitted by the deadline for proposals.
The Higher Institute of Industrial Design (ISDi) is a distinguished public institution located in Havana, Cuba. Founded in 1984, it is a relatively young institution, yet it quickly established itself as a leader in design education and research. ISDi offers a dynamic academic environment focused on industrial design, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a rapidly evolving global design landscape.
ISDi is deeply committed to advancing the field of design through a range of scientific and creative research activities. The institute encourages students to actively participate in these research initiatives, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. With its strong emphasis on both practical application and theoretical learning, ISDi equips students to become leaders in the design industry, tackling complex challenges in technology, sustainability, and aesthetics.
The campus, located in the heart of Havana, offers students access to a rich cultural and historical context, further enhancing their educational experience. ISDi’s strategic location in Cuba’s capital provides students with unique opportunities to engage with the city’s dynamic design scene while being part of a forward-thinking institution shaping the future of industrial design.
Learn more at: https://www.isdi.co.cu
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
The FORMA 2025 organizing committee consists of a diverse group of design professionals, academics, and administrators dedicated to the success of the Congress. The committee is committed to ensuring an enriching and productive experience for all participants.
- Phone: +53 7874 5145 | +53 7874 5146 | +53 7874 5105
- Email: formahabana@gmail.cu | forma@isdi.co.cu
- Location: Havana Convention Palace
- Contact Person: Zosima López Ruiz
- Email: zosima@palco.cu
REGISTER NOW
We have made registration and submission of your presentation proposal easy. Complete the registration form below and you’ll start the process.
When you begin to register be sure to have available:
- Copy of Your Passport
- Your Presentation Proposal, if applicable in Word or Adobe PDF format
All proposals can be submitted and presented in Spanish or in English.
Please submit an abstract of no more than 250 words plus 3 to 5 keywords. There can only be a maximum of three authors for the proposal. Your thematic area can be related to any of the Workshop Themes.
The full text for publication will be submitted for blind peer review to be approved and published in the memories of the event. Text length between 6-10 pages. References in APA 2016 (citation index). All proposals must follow this format in order to be included in the Academic Program.
Once you receive notification of the acceptance of your proposal you must send to the Academic Committee your presentation in PowerPoint or equivalent.
Those presenting virtually must send a video that does not exceed 5 minutes with the main ideas of their proposal. The video will be presented by the moderator asynchronously if necessary.
In all cases there will be interaction among participants through the congress website.
All participants will be sent the link to join the event one week before it begins.
Keynote lecture proposals should be submitted as soon as possible. They will be evaluated by the scientific committee on a rolling basis. Proposals selected by the committee will receive an official invitation to be a plenary speaker. Proposals must be sent in digital format to forma@isdi.co.cu and
formahabana@gmail.com. The first page of the abstract should include: Title of the paper, Authors’ data: Names and surnames, affiliation(s), (when different, indicate with consecutive numerical superscripts), address, country of origin, and e-mail.
Commission presentations should be at least 10 minutes long with a maximum of 15 minutes. Presentations done in English will not be translated. Presentation slides should be submitted in either PowerPoint or PDF format. We request that you use the provided PowerPoint template or image overlay for your presentation. Slides can be written in English, Spanish, French, or all three. Translated handouts in PDF Format are always welcomed. Click here to download a zip file of the Convention template.
Each presentation is limited to 15 minutes.
Posters should have dimensions of no more than 90 centimeters (36 inches) vertical x 60 centimeters (24 inches) horizonal.
Posters must contain: Title of the research, authors’ data (names and surnames, institutional affiliation, e-mail, country), an abstract, justification, general objective, theoretical approach, methodology and results of the research.
Posters can be in English, Spanish, French or all three. Translated handouts in PDF Format are always welcomed.
Files should be in an mp4 format no more than 15 minutes in length. They must contain: Title of the research, Author’s data (names and surnames, institutional affiliation, e-mail, country). Complete audiovisual work must be submitted by the deadline for proposals.
REGISTRATION FORM
TRAVEL PROGRAM FOR US DELEGATES
Civitas Global Educational Services offers a travel program for all delegates from the United States looking to participate in compliance with the US Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Civitas GES has been building Cuba-US partnerships and facilitating programs for US institutions since 2014. A portion of the proceeds from the travel program will be used to provide logistical support for Cubans from other provinces to attend in-person. All US delegates will have the support of our resident coordinators through out the experience.
All invoicing and payments are processed by Squareup.com. All initial deposits for this program are non-refundable. The deposit counts towards the full cost of the program. Click here to view our full terms and conditions.
$2,510.00*
USD
ONCE YOU HAVE PAID THE DEPOSIT, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN INVOICE FROM CIVITAS GES FOR THE TRAVEL PROGRAM COST LESS THE DEPOSIT PAID. *$200.00 OFF FOR FULL TIME STUDENTS
- Roundtrip Airfare from Miami to Cuba
- Cuba Entry Visa
- Access to All Program Events and Activities
- Access to Pre-Conference Sessions
- Ground Transportation to and From Cuban Airports
- Welcome Dinner for International Delegates
- 5-Nights stay at the Hotel PalCo
- Cuba Health and Repatriation Insurance
- English Speaking Guides
Logistical services for US travelers are provided solely by Civitas Global Educational Services in full compliance with the United States Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control. Click here to see the full OFAC Regulations related to travel to Cuba.
Contact Us
PROGRAM COST
EARLY BIRD PRICING THROUGH FEBRUARY 20, 2025