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Dutch Design Week (DDW) is an annual event in Eindhoven, Netherlands and it is the largest design event in Northern Europe. It is a platform that presents projects and ideas made by thousands of designers. In 2023, it took place from the 21st until the 29th of October. University of Twente participated in the 4TU.Design United programmes, the DRIVE festival, and created a unique experience at the Ketelhuisplein. Read on if you are curious about what happened!
Picture This - DDW theme 2023
Every programme had its unique themes and different ways of showcasing, but they all aligned with Dutch Design Week's theme: 'Picture This’. We can all imagine where society might be heading, but how can it be different? Should it be different? What does change look like? Dutch Design Week wants to achieve the best possible presentation of the power of design that will get things moving. Within narratives like, for example, 'our equal society' and 'our health & wellbeing', UT researchers and students showcase their projects as frontrunners within design research.
The four programmes
Ever-changing Relationships - 4TU.Design United Ever-Changing Relationships
- 4TU.Design United
Who: The four technical universities (4TU)
What: Expo, eMagazine, afternoon programmes
When: 21 - 29 October 2023
Where: Klokgebouw, Microlab & Online
Ever-changing Relationships is organised by Design United, the 4TU. research centre of design, with representatives who work at the four technical universities in the Netherlands: University of Twente, TU Delft, Wageningen University and Eindhoven University of Technology. With the ever-changing relationships of our society, planet, alongside the continuous development of technology, the design research community is always in a state of transition.
The 5 themes that were addressed:
Further developing the concept of human-centered design to accommodate the eco-age that crosses natural, social, and artificial. It challenges designers to look for values in future environments for the life and growth of both humans and non-humans that feel normal.
Design is a practice focused on the future. Looking at the vision of potential futures on a planet facing challenges, speculating tomorrow's practices.
Exploring the intricate relationship between design, power, and social justice. Diving into how designers address the correlation between social structures, biases, domination, cultural differences, and stereotypes.
The discussion regarding the importance of the future and its approaches in the direction of making. In light of the rapid advancement of enabling technologies and the idea behind how crafters can shape and transform a new everyday reality.
Disentangling AI, Design & Society Artificial Intelligence (AI) is essential to shaping the upcoming societies. Understanding the role of AI in the context of design is crucial; how designers can effectively collaborate with AI, incorporating multiple perspectives and stakeholders, while still maintaining responsible and ethical approaches.
DRIVE - Design Research & Innovation Festival DRIVE - Design Research & Innovation Festival
Who: Designers, Artists & Researchers
What: Talks & Workshops
When: 23 -27 October
Where: De Effenaar & Online
The DRIVE festival provides a stage for architecture, designers, artists, social designers, game developers, researchers, clothing designers or communication professionals, who have recently conducted project-based research or have new insights within design. During the sessions, they bring you inspirational and inspiring examples of innovation that are in and for the creative industry. In 2023, each session was dedicated to one of the themes: System & Societal Innovation, Future Living Environments, Designing the Circular Economy, Digital Society. On the last day, there was a big DRIVE 10-year anniversary party.
UT researchers Jodi Sturge and Julieta Matos Castaño participated in this edition on Monday 23rd October 2023 and Tuesday 24th October 2023 regarding the topic: "Systems & Societal Innovation" and "Future Living Environments".
Design for Transition - What's on your Menu? Design for Transition - What's on your Menu?
Who: UT Researchers & students
What: Interactive exhibition
When: 21 - 29 October 2023
Where: Ketelhuisplein
‘Design for Transition – What’s on your Menu?’, or simply ‘The Cookery’, is an interactive exhibition that depicts the state of transition of design practices and society, taking people through different stages of reflection. Emphasis has been placed on one area of design research: futuring. The visitors take steps to enable the collective shaping of futures, illustrated through the metaphor of cooking. 'The Cookery' went back to DesignLab, where you can experience the installation at all times!
Renault Design Rides - Mycelium Renault Design Rides -
Mycelium: A network for individuals to flourish together
Who: DesignLab DreamTeam
What: Renault design rides
When: 21 - 29 October 2023
Where: De Trudo Toren (Strijp-S), Piet Hein Eek, Stadhuisplein, Fuutlaan, Sectie-C
This installation illustrates the stakeholders in society and how they should maintain their connections using the metaphor of the mycelium for a people's network. Mycelium assists plants in sharing nutrients in a forest. We should all exchange information in order to build a society where we may all prosper together!
For nine days, 'our mushroom' drove around Eindhoven on top of a Renault car.
Last year, some even stopped the car to take pictures!
Find the mushroom at DesignLab.
Have you missed it?
Watch the video and take a look at the brochure below to see how every UT participant gave meaning to the theme this year!
People present in the video: The Explanation of the Cookery: Alexandru Amarei - DesignLab Coordinator. Second, Design United floor manager: Charlotte Hak (UT student), Third, UT Researcher: Jodi Sturge part of project Age-Fi, Fourth, UT Student and Design United Floor Manager: Pim van Everdingen from project MAACQ Oase Birdhouse, Lastly, Design: Estefania Jiminez Moras from project New Earth.
The full overview of pictures and credits can be found in the picture gallery.
Interesting pages
Any questions?
Kris Pals-Krukkert, project manager UTxDDW, would be happy to answer them!
