DESIGN 2026 Workshops

Two Decades of Sustainable Design: Where are We Heading and How do We Get There?

The objective of this workshop is to examine how current research efforts are addressing contemporary challenges in advancing Design for Sustainability (DfS) in industry and society. The workshop takes as its point of departure the DfS evolutionary framework proposed by Ceschin et al. (2016), marking its ten-year anniversary and using it as a lens to reflect on how the DfS landscape has evolved, how sustainability challenges are currently being addressed, and how future research directions might unfold over the next decade.

Design Society Fellows

From time to time, the Society recognises individuals for their contributions to design research, education, practice and service by bestowing Design Society Fellowships.

Awardees

In recognition of the contributions of our members, we’re launching three new awards. These are designed to highlight excellence at different career stages, from emerging researchers to those with a long track record of significant contributions.

Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Call for Applications: DfAM SIG Chair and Co-Chairs

With the aim of ensuring the continued relevance of the Design Society within the field of Additive Manufacturing, the Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) Special Interest Group (SIG) is looking for a new motivated leader and two co-leaders.

Call for mentors and mentees

DS Mentorship Programme 2026-27

The Design Society Mentorship Programme wraps up its third successful year — and we're gearing up for the 2026–27 edition, launching this September! Open to all members, the programme connects early-career researchers, PhD students, and seasoned professionals for meaningful growth and collaboration. Apply by 15 August 2026!

Young members Activities

The Design Society especially welcomes all young members and is committed to supporting their education and careers through interesting and beneficial services.

DESIGN 2026 Workshops

Mapping Validity in Design Research

Validity is a central issue in determining the quality of research. However, it is often not reported or only reported at an overall level in design research publications, preventing effective evaluation of quality concerns as well as limiting the ability of the field to develop deeper quality discussions. Critically, validity is multifaceted and has numerous (often unreported) elements and trade-offs, which typically require specific accommodations being adopted for design research. Hence, in this workshop we will facilitate a mapping of the major validity constructs across the represented span of design research.

DESIGN 2026 Workshops

Designing Better Project-Based Design Assessment using the D-LAD Framework

This interactive workshop introduces participants to the D-LAD framework through hands-on, reflective activities in which they apply the framework to their own courses or modules. Through small-group discussions, guided mapping exercises, and collective reflection, participants will examine how their current assessment strategies align with intended learning outcomes, accreditation standards, and industry expectations. Case examples and shared educator experiences will illustrate how D-LAD can support balanced, transparent, and developmental assessment design in project-based learning contexts.

2025 Sir Misha Black Medal Recipient

Congratulations to William Ion

We are delighted to share that Design Society Fellow Professor William Ion has been awarded the Sir Misha Black Medal for Distinguished Services to Design Education.

Africa Design Talk Series

Design Science and the African Context

We are pleased to invite you to the Africa Design Talk Series – Inaugural & Distinguished Session, featuring Prof. Panos Papalambros (University of Michigan; Editor-in-Chief, Design Science Journal) speaking on “Design Science and the African Context.”

Fellows

A Fellow is a Design Society Member, recognised by the Society to have made a truly significant contribution to the Society and its aims and objectives.

DESIGN 2026 Workshops

Designing with Intelligence: Exploring the Practical Implications of AI on Design Practice and Processes

AI is increasingly being adopted across a wide range of design activities, from generative ideation to simulation and validation. At the same time, its integration is reshaping roles, skills, responsibilities, and values within design practice. This interactive workshop invites researchers, practitioners, and educators to critically explore how AI is transforming design processes—what it enables, what it challenges, and how it alters the nature, sequencing, and interdependencies of design tasks.

Honorary Fellows

Honorary Fellowship is the highest honour the Society can bestow in recognition of the highest standard of professional achievement in design practice, teaching or research. Honorary Fellows reflect the values and aspirations of the Society.

DESIGN 2026 Workshops

Nudge Workshop: Small Nudges, Big Impact

This interactive workshop makes the concept of nudging tangible as a practical and effective approach for driving change in design and development contexts. The “Small Nudges, Big Impact” workshop brings together researchers, practitioners, and design enthusiasts to explore how nudging principles can be applied to contemporary challenges in engineering design and product development.

19 Nov 2025, Online, 20:30 (UTC+0)

Design Justice and Ethics SIG: Seminar Series

The DJE SIG is launching a talk series, with Dr. Grace Burleson as guest speaker at the inaugural talk "Designing for People and Context: Integrating Social, Political, and Institutional Factors in Product Design" - Register here!

Research School

PAD2026 - 7th International Summer School on Product Architecture Design

This year's summer school on product architecture design and modularity will take place in Copenhagen (Denmark). Young researchers from all around the world get the possibility to learn, discuss and collaborate in the field of product development.

28 NOV at 13:00 CET (UTC+1)

Webinar: Collaborations for Sustainable Transitions

The Sustainable Design SIG have got a new group of young researchers who are organising a webinar!

Research School

SSEDR'26 - Summer School on Engineering Design Research

SSEDR is aimed at PhD students and candidates working on topics related to Design Science. This year’s Engineering Design Research Summer School will take place in two stages: first in Samobor, Croatia, followed by Oropa, Italy, one month later.

DESIGN Conference

DS Scholarships 2026

The Design Society is pleased to continue its scholarship programme, offering two scholarship models to support members’ participation in leading conferences across the design research and education community. The scholarships aim to foster inclusivity, reduce financial barriers, and enhance member engagement by enabling more members to attend and contribute to Design Society supported events. (Deadline 27 February 2026)