When a design he created was used without permission, most people would have been upset. But designer Areous Ahmad saw an opportunity. In this inspiring talk, he shares the story of how that moment led him to embrace open-source design, a philosophy of sharing and collaboration over ownership and protection. He reveals how this simple act of generosity ignited a ripple effect of creativity, leading to the creation of free toolkits and resources that have empowered thousands of young designers across the globe.Areous makes a compelling case that in the age of AI, the future of design and technology is not built on individual brilliance, but on a culture of collective innovation, where sharing our work openly leads to more inclusive, ethical, and human-centered products. Areous A. Ahmad is a Product Designer and Community Advocate passionate about creating inclusive, scalable, and human-centred digital experiences. With years of experience leading design efforts across fintech, edtech, and AI-powered platforms, he focuses on simplifying complexity through design systems and no-code solutions.Areous is also an active voice in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, co-organising events like DevFest Ilorin and mentoring emerging designers through platforms like ADPList and Open Designers. His work sits at the intersection of design, technology, and social impact, constantly pushing beyond the surface to spark real change. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx