About

Dutch Design Foundation is convinced that designers provide an essential contribution to making our world a more beautiful, sustainable and social place. We are optimistic but we also recognise the current issues and how serious they are. We believe in the forward thinking and action of designers and create space for this.

Dutch Design Foundation is convinced that designers provide an essential contribution to making our world a more beautiful, sustainable and social place. We are optimistic but we also recognise the current issues and how serious they are. We believe in the forward thinking and action of designers and create space for this.

We do this by connecting designers with clients, accelerating research and creation processes, and providing an international platform. At the same time, we inspire businesses, governments, and organisations to use design as a driver of innovation and societal transitions.

Dutch Design Foundation takes a holistic view of design, for people and for our planet. That is why we stand for design in the broadest sense, based on the realisation that designers shape the future.

How do we do it?

Through events, exhibitions, talks, awards, and labs, DDF actively supports designers and collaborative partners. Our key programmes include:

• Coalitions – A platform where designers, governments, businesses, and experts come together to tackle complex societal challenges.
• Dutch Design Week (DDW) – The design festival where the future of design and design for the future take centre stage.
• Awards – A Dutch Design Award is the ultimate recognition of radical imagination, exceptional talent, and collaboration.
• The Public Design Practice – An initiative by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science that strengthens collaboration between designers and governments.

Four Roles, One Mission

We strengthen the position and impact of Dutch designers while showcasing to the world how design can contribute to a positive future. To achieve this, the Dutch Design Foundation fulfils four key roles:

• Matchmaker – Connecting designers with clients and relevant partners.
• Accelerator – Driving innovation by supporting research and creative processes.
• Platform – Providing designers and collaborators with a national and international stage to showcase their vision and work.
• Inspirer – Exploring and developing future scenarios, helping policymakers and organisations use design as a tool for change.

DDF drives design in societal transitions

At DDF, we take pride in our contribution to social change. The Dutch government recognises the creative industry’s role in addressing complex challenges, and through initiatives such as The Public Design Practice (PONT), World Design Embassies, and What if Lab, we have actively contributed over the past years.

Now, we are taking things further. We challenge ourselves to take action and develop what we believe is needed to accelerate today’s pressing transitions. With Coalitions, we combine the methodology of What if Lab with the network of World Design Embassies, creating a powerful programme for long-term collaboration and providing concrete tools for innovative change processes.

At DDF, we aim to build meaningful coalitions between the design sector and key stakeholders to drive the societal transformations we need. Coalitions embodies this ambition. Initially, we are focusing on Co/Labs, an evolution of What if Labs. Through in-depth masterclasses and guided design processes, Co/Labs challenge design teams to ideate, develop, test, and refine new perspectives and concepts.

The Dutch Design Foundation inspires and connects—both in the Netherlands and beyond. Because design is not just a tool to solve problems; it is a force to reshape the world.