Discover the 8 trends of DDW19

Each year, Dutch Design Week (DDW) presents eight design trends that mark the most important developments in the field of design. Discover the trends of DDW19 below.

DDW Trend 1: Data as material
This trend is all about Data as a material. If the physical world is built with traditional materials like wood, or stone, then the digital world is built with data. How do we incorporate digital data into the physical world? What are the possibilities of sharing this data? Can we design physical places for sharing this information?

DDW Trend 2: Growing design
Designers are finding all sorts of creative ways to use biobased materials for a large variety of projects. Biowaste like pine needles and coffee grounds are converted into other raw materials, but use is also made of living materials. In this trend we explore how living biobased materials can be used.

DDW Trend 3: RE/CONNECT
In this trend, we explore the need to reconnect with each other. We look at solutions to contemporary issues such as personal communication and restoring contact between our body and the surrounding physical space.

DDW Trend 4: Back to earth
The world of design looks to the future. Yet innovation is often closer to home than you might think. New technologies help to reinterpret old existing materials and make them relevant again for today and the future. In this trend, we explore new applications ceramics.

DDW Trend 5: The invisible designer
Designers take a critical look at the world around them. And that has never been more important than it is right now. They consider the problems our society faces, like climate, pollution and social and cultural issues. When dealing with these issues, the designer steps back from ownership in this trend.

DDW Trend 6: The Museum of Design
It is not a matter of course that a designer should make something as tangible as a utilitarian object. For example, it could be an abstract concept or an experience. This trend is all about the role of design in a museological context.

DDW Trend 7: Save us
In this trend we explore the problem-solving qualities of designers when it comes to the challenges of the modern world. This trend is supported by designers who take care of, among other things, saving the environment, architecture, the design studio and you and me.

DDW Trend 8: The Power of ‘WE’
In this trend we discover the perks of collaboration and joining forces. The Power of “WE” is all about being together. Work together, present together, bring together and create together.