Director of Design Strategy for a Chicago strategic branding company, Michael uses semiotics in brand development, visual language research & global brand alignment initiatives for some of the US's largest companies. A BA in Anthropology from Rutgers, he worked as a community developer in Zimbabwe then a researcher at UC San Francisco into the physiological effects of multisensory signifiers on cocaine users. After working for Interbrand, Michael earned a Masters in Design Methodology from the Institute of Design in Chicago, closely mentored in semiotics by Duncan Berry, renowned Peircian and expert in neuro-design.
Chicago, USA
Oliver Litten is co-owner of Group Red, based in Hamburg and Berlin. A brand strategist, trends and innovation expert he was worked for leading agencies, including Interbrand and Added Value, and his client list includes Virgin, Levis, Apple, Beiersdorf, Pepsico/Lays, Nike, Procter & Gamble, GlaxoWellcome and Unilever. Oliver specializes in facilitating creative workshops and immersion experiences where clients come face to face with opinion formers.
Hamburg, Germany
Edina is a performance artist, curator and researcher, born in Bosnia and living between the UK and the Balkans. In her multidisciplinary art practice she addresses trauma and memory, and has exhibited internationally. Recently she has shown her performance piece Holy Jolie in London, Bosnia and Serbia to wide acclaim. She is a PhD candidate at Reading University, researching belly dance as a hybrid form and social practice in postcolonial and trans-national context.
UK, Balkans