Sightline
Feb 2026
Your clear view of design's direction
A half-day design intelligence briefing presented by Dana Tomić Hughes.
Your annual pause for perspective—a morning to step back, see the bigger picture, and gain clarity about where design is heading.
Sydney — Tuesday, 10 February 2026
Melbourne — Thursday, 12 February 2026
What is Sightline?
Dana has spent over a decade running Yellowtrace, observing design at fairs, in studios, and in conversation with designers and architects around the world.
Sightline is where all of that comes together—what she's been seeing, thinking about, and connecting over the past year. The macro view of where design is heading. The movements worth paying attention to. How it all connects to what's happening culturally and economically.
This isn't a trends talk where she shows you a hundred images and say "this is what's hot right now." It's about giving you a framework for understanding what's actually happening—and why.
One morning. One independent perspective. All substance.
Why Sightline Exists
We're drowning in content but can't always see what it all means.
There's no shortage of beautiful images, trend reports, or design news. But what's missing is the space to step back and understand the patterns. To figure out what deserves your attention and what's just noise.
That's what Sightline gives you—not more information, but better understanding.
Sightline offers clarity: a considered view of where design is heading, grounded in deep observation and independent thinking.
What you'll walk away with
This is about depth, not distraction. Insight, not anxiety.
Understanding the broader forces shaping design's direction
Strategic Clarity
Confidence to make thoughtful decisions in your practice
The ability to see relationships between movements, materials, and ideas
Actionable Intelligence
Insights you can use in your work and client conversations
Creative Freedom
The clarity that allows you to create with intention and purpose
Discernment
Knowing what deserves your attention and what's just noise
Why this matters
The design landscape is evolving rapidly. AI is reshaping creative processes. Digital platforms prioritise volume over nuance. Ideas move quickly, but understanding takes time.
Here's what Dana knows to be true:
Creativity is linked to energy. And energy is linked to feeling grounded and purposeful.
It's difficult to do meaningful work when you're constantly reacting rather than reflecting.
This is where Sightline comes in. An independent voice in a crowded landscape. The annual pause that helps you see more clearly. The perspective that lets you create with confidence and intention.
About Dana
Dana Tomić Hughes has built a reputation as one of design's most trusted voices.
For over a decade, she's been deeply embedded in the global design landscape—not curating from a desk, but on the ground at fairs, in studios, and in conversation with the designers, architects, and makers shaping our visual culture and built environments.
Through Yellowtrace, Dana has built a community that values critical thinking and discernment. Sightline is the concentrated expression of that philosophy.
This isn't just Dana's perspective. It's a trusted voice that design professionals and the industry turn to for clarity and insight.
Who this is for
Sightline is for interior designers, architects, product designers and industry professionals.
For those who:
• Value independent thinking and want perspective, not just more content
• Understand that clarity creates space for better work
• Seek meaning and purpose in their creative practice
• Want to lead with intention rather than react to whatever's trending
• Work with designers and want to understand their perspective and speak their language
• Want to stay ahead of conversations and be a trusted partner to design professionals and their clients
• Lead teams and want to invest in their development and creative growth
• See professional development as an investment in their craft, not an expense
If you know there's more to design than what's on Instagram this week, Sightline is for you.
The investment
Early Bird: $227 (until 22 Dec 2025)
General Admission: $267
Group Bookings: $227 per person (5+)
This is an investment in your creative practice and professional growth.
The event details
// SYDNEY EVENT
Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026 — 9:00am
(Doors Open: 8:30am)
Venue:
The University of Sydney
Belinda Hutchinson Building (H70)
Lecture Theatre: 1040
Address:
Abercrombie St & Codrington St
Darlington NSW 2008
(Entry via Codrington St)
// MELBOURNE EVENT
Date: Thursday, 12 February 2026 — 9:00am
(Doors Open: 8:30am)
Venue:
RMIT — Swanston Academic Building
Building 80 / Level 7
Lecture Theatre: 001
Address:
435-457 Swanston St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Capacity: Limited
Inclusions: Full presentation, Q&A, networking, morning refreshments
Group bookings available: For groups of 5+
Corporate bookings: Invest in your team's professional development. Book online or enquire at: hello@yellowtrace.com.au
Not in Sydney or Melbourne?
If you're interstate or overseas and would like us to bring Sightline to your city—or you're interested in sponsoring or hosting an event—we'd love to hear from you. Register your interest at: hello@yellowtrace.com.au
Presenter
"It's not about more information—it's about perspective."
Event schedule *
* Note - Event program and schedule are subject to change without notice. If the event is cancelled, postponed or rescheduled, we will contact ticket holders with available options.
Presented by
Presenting partners
Supporting partner
Education partners
Event venues
The University of Sydney
Belinda Hutchinson Building H70 —
Abercrombie St & Codrington St, Darlington NSW 2008
Is this event for you?
Sightline welcomes design professionals, emerging designers and anyone who values thoughtful perspectives on the built environment.
Join us for an intimate morning with Dana Tomić Hughes as she shares the movements, projects and ideas that will shape design in 2026.
If you're seeking clarity, inspiration and a trusted voice to help you navigate the year ahead with greater intention, this gathering is for you.