20 years of The Design Society

Twenty years ago, The Design Society was established, building on the strong foundation created preciously, by the informal research group "Workshop Design Konstruktion (WDK)". This marks a milestone for our community of worldwide members towards Design Research, Education and Practice. The Board of Management would like to thank all who have contributed towards the Society over the years and who continue to support the efforts of The Design Society today.

In 2020, we would like to reflect on our past, evaluate our current activities, and look to the future, to define the next 20 years of the Society. Towards this aim, a committee has been established to prepare celebrations for the next year, both in celebration and in the coordination of our community's future work. 

Rigi 2020

The "Rigi meeting" was established as The Design Society's annual strategy and planning meeting, and is attended by members of the Society's Board of Management, Advisory Board, SIG Leaders and Chapter Leaders. It takes its name from the location, Mount Rigi, where the WDK formerly met, and where the first few Design Society annual strategy and planning meetings were held.

After some years' break from the location, in 2020 the Rigi Meeting will again be held on Mount Rigi, as a special celebration of where the Society's origins. At this meeting, the boards of the society alongside the Special Interest Group and Chapter leaders will discuss the state of design research and how we will contribute to the development of the field. The results of this meeting will be shared with our members.

DESIGN 2020 Conference

All members are invited to join us at a Birthday celebration during the close of the DESIGN 2020 Conference on Thursday evening, 21st May 2020. In addition, on Friday 22nd May 2020, The Design Society is hosting a special session to reflect on the work of Rigi 2020 together with the DS membership and project to the next 20 years of the Design Society. DESIGN 2020 delegates can sign-up for this day when registering for the conference. More details of the conference will be provided in late February 2020. 

Other Events

To mark this special year, we will be asking our Endorsed and Co-owned events and publication outlets to mark our birthday with some special engagements. Please take note of individual arrangements at each event.