Learning and Designing Together
With a series of sessions, PONT at DDW demonstrates that the future of design in the public sphere is not just about beautiful solutions, but above all about the process: learning to collaborate, embracing friction, and rethinking the questions we ask. By engaging in dialogue and practising together, a shared language emerges between policy and design. Whether you are a policymaker, designer, or social entrepreneur, PONT’s events offer space to explore new perspectives and take home concrete tools for your own practice. The sessions below invite you to reflect and take action. Participation is free, but registration is required.
The Friction Floor
Collaboration between civil servants and designers often leads to a head full of new ideas, but it can also bring tension and friction. In De Frictievloer workshop, you’ll discover how not to avoid friction, but to use it as a source of creativity and change. Organised in collaboration with TwynstraGudde and Leernoveren.
Date & Location: Tuesday 21 October, 16:00–17:00, The Square (Ketelhuisplein, Strijp-S)
More info & registration: De Frictievloer
Is Your Challenge a Design Question?
Governments and organisations are increasingly working with designers to address complex social challenges. But how do you know whether your challenge is actually a design question? And what does it mean to choose a design-led approach?
In this session, you’ll work actively in groups to explore your own challenge and reformulate it as a design question. We’ll discuss which questions are suited to a design-led approach and how this differs from other ways of working.
Date & Location: Monday 20 October, 13:00–13:45, The Square (Ketelhuisplein, Strijp-S)
More info & registration: Is Your Challenge a Design Question?
Designing for Social Impact
If you’re a designer or creative practitioner who has ever collaborated with public organisations, this may sound familiar: you have a strong idea for tackling a complex social issue, you’ve developed a concept — or even implemented a working intervention. And yet, things can go wrong. Projects stall, get delayed, or face resistance.
In this session, we explore how to make an impact within the complex world of government.
Whether you’re just starting out or already have experience in the public sector, this session offers insights, inspiration, and practical tools to help you increase your impact.
Date & Location: DTuesday 21 October, 10:30–12:30, Natlab (Eindhoven, Strijp-S)
More info & registration: Designing for Social Impact
PONT at DDW?
PONT’s presence at Dutch Design Week highlights the importance of design in the public sector. Designers bring imagination, systems thinking, and empathy. All vital qualities in times of societal transition. By fostering collaboration between designers and government, PONT helps embed new ways of working within the public domain.
DDW is therefore not only a stage for designers but also a breeding ground for change. PONT shows how the power of design can contribute to a future-ready government and a resilient society.
Visit the PONT events during DDW
Participation in all PONT events is free, but registration is required. You can find more information about registration, times, and locations at depubliekeontwerppraktijk.nl/ddw-25