By specifying the domain in which someone works (mission) and the field within which they work (perspective), their position in the design field becomes evident. This enables us to facilitate the best possible matches between participating designers and relevant visitors.
Whether this is other designers, businesses or other professionals, industry parties, collaborators, or other interesting partners, as well as governments, policymakers, or knowledge institutions. And naturally, a vast audience is always present. This approach allows us to equip designers thoroughly for valuable interactions and (business) opportunities.
Missions
THRIVING PLANET
For a vital, healthy planet, design must enhance the power of nature, or at the very least not stand in its way.
LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Designing our living environment, mobility and the materials we use to create them goes hand-in-hand with shaping our own quality of life.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Designs that structurally improve our quality of life – from the food we eat to healthcare and personal well-being – and that contribute to the most precious thing we have: our health.
EQUAL SOCIETY
To achieve equality in society, we must (re)design systems and interactions that value everyone. Safety, inclusiveness and connection are key here.
DIGITAL FUTURE
Our digital realities and future are being explored to the full and influenced by designers, from virtual worlds to artificial intelligence and from global platforms to individual experiences.
Perspectives
SIGNATURE & COLLECTIBLE
Artistic exploration and individual expression, translated into objects and other renditions that are poetic or conceptual in nature.
SPECULATIVE & SOCIAL
Designers excel in exploring unexpected thought processes and taking an approach that goes off the beaten track. This takes shape in research by design or the development of (social) interventions.
PRODUCT & CRAFT
Everything we use is designed. All these products and materials demand the most diverse methods, skills and knowledge.
SERVICE & INNOVATIVE
Lightning-fast digital and technological developments raise all kinds of questions. Designers answer these questions with groundbreaking concepts and concrete applications.
INDEPENDENT & CRITICAL
There are always designers who cannot be defined. Makers and inventors of autonomous and critical work which often reflects on the design profession itself.
Mission days
This year, DDW introduces mission days entirely dedicated to one of the missions. The mission days run from Monday to Friday and include:
- A morning programme featuring substantive events for professionals.
- A main programme with undivided attention on the exhibitions of all participating designers.
- An evening programme brimming with music, events, and other fun activities.
