In the 21st century and the age of polycrisis, as our place and role in the world call for systemic rethinking, the way we talk about design is changing as well. Issues and narratives, the “immaterial” and the “interdisciplinary,” are increasingly taking the place of materials and styles, object-focused approaches, and traditional disciplinary categories.

But what does this global transformation mean for designers in their everyday practice, and what regional conditions does the Central European design community face?

At the first event in the Design Diaries series, professionals working specifically in object-making and product design will share their experiences, exploring how their work relates to the design strategy of their respective countries. Rather than conventional portfolio presentations, the evening will focus on personal stories, glimpses into designer, manufacturer, and client relationships, different interpretations of design, and the role of public and private sector involvement.