This year, Team Fusion went “Out of Office” for DesignThinkers Vancouver—conveniently, also the theme of the conference. We stepped away from our desks for a few days of talks, team time, west coast wandering, good food, and a welcome shift from the usual studio rhythm. We came home with notes, ideas, favourite moments, tiny observations, and a few things we’re still thinking about. So we asked everyone what stayed with them.

Through my design career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on several different design teams — in varying sizes, working styles and team dynamics. Most recently, moving from an in-house team to Fusion! And while I’m still settling in, I’ve already noticed some interesting differences between in-house and agency life.

DesignThinkers Toronto 2025 gave us plenty to think about—inspiring talks, creative sparks, and a few laughs along the way. When we got back, we asked the team what resonated most. Here’s what stood out.

Holmes does an amazing job covering the different areas in the world where people encounter “Mismatches” leaving them to feel excluded. She goes on to explain, as people with influence, we need to consider when our own prejudices and biases leave a space for someone else to feel left out — you never know when you’ll find yourself on the other side.