In a brief series of Instagram live videos, jury members of the Dutch Design Awards (DDA) engage in discussions with each other. DDA annually celebrates the best Dutch designers and their impressive and groundbreaking projects in the categories of Data & Interaction, Communication, Design Research, Fashion, Habitat, Product, Best Commissioning, and Young Designer.
Mieke Gerritzen (main jury Communication) & Angelique Spanink (main jury Design Research)
- Design Research
Design research, seemingly vital for all design, takes a spotlight in Angelique’s category. Focused on projects where design research is core, these delve deep, not always resulting in a tangible product but shaping research, questions, and collaborations. This year’s winner, Carlijn Kingma, exemplifies this with “The Waterworks of Our Money,” collaborating to make the financial world accessible through metaphors and architectural drawings.
- Communication
Communication, now central to the entire design field, evolves in Mieke’s observation. Traditionally graphic-centric, the Communication category broadens, almost medium-independent. It’s about the human connection with design, potential interactions, and crafted experiences. The winning project, Modem Research Papers, excels in elegantly presenting complex subjects in the research realm.
Evelien Reich (main jury Young Designer) & Chris Kabel (main jury Product)
- Young Designer
Evelien notices a shift in the Young Designer category, moving from mission-driven Dutch design to more personal work. Winner Marcos Kueh exemplifies this with woven works reflecting the colonial history of Borneo. This international perspective challenges the notion of “Dutch” in Dutch Design Awards.
- Product
Chris acknowledges international entries but emphasizes the thriving design talent in the Netherlands. DDA plays a crucial role in nurturing this talent, offering opportunities. The Product category winner, Super Local, creatively addresses waste management among Himalayan climbers, turning it into souvenirs, showcasing the positive impact of responsible actions.
Daniël Sytsma (main jury Data & Interaction) & Tijn van Elderen (main jury Best Commissioning)
- Best Commissioning
Tijn emphasizes the complexity of effective commissioning, pointing out that long-term collaborations, time, space, and trust are essential. In the Best Commissioning category, entries with well-defined commissions stand out. The Soft City, the winner, exemplifies this, with the Municipality of Rotterdam commissioning Christien Meindertsma to find sustainable uses for wool from 2,500 sheep maintaining public green spaces.
- Data & Interaction
Daniël notes that the Data & Interaction category recognizes both designers and organizations sharing data for innovative solutions. The relationship between commissioner and designer, along with user interaction, is vital. Data is considered the new “black gold,” and the winner, CLEVER°FRANKE, uses a dashboard to highlight climate change impact in Africa. Voices of the Frontline ensures the data resonates effectively.
Femke Bijlsma (main jury Habitat) & Iris Ruisch (main jury Fashion)
- Habitat
Femke underscores the expansive nature of the Habitat category, encompassing diverse elements crucial for an optimal living environment. Beyond architecture, it includes landscape, urban planning, and interior design. The focus is on tackling societal challenges, reappreciating craftsmanship, and promoting sustainability, much like the winner BOSK. The evolving global landscape challenges conventional categorizations, prompting discussions on innovative, socially engaged projects that contribute meaningfully to contemporary dialogues.
- Fashion
Iris delves into the Fashion category, highlighting the evolving perspectives within the discipline. The focus has shifted from traditional product-centric approaches to more process-oriented, socially conscious practices. The winner in the fashion category, Tailors and Wearers, exemplifies this shift through collaborations, textile innovations, and community-building initiatives gaining prominence. The dynamic nature of fashion reflects its capacity to respond creatively to complex societal challenges, demonstrating its relevance and potential impact in the ever-changing world.
The DDA Instagram Live series, featuring discussions by the jury members, offered profound insights into innovative Dutch design across various categories. Noteworthy winners, like Carlijn Kingma in Design Research, Modem Research Papers in Communication, Marcos Kueh in Young Designer, Super Local in Product, The Soft City in Best Commissioning, and CLEVER°FRANKE in Data & Interaction, showcased the diverse, forward-thinking nature of Dutch design. These conversations highlighted the impactful contributions of designers, addressing global challenges and pushing the boundaries of creativity and sustainability in the ever-evolving design landscape.
Curious about the nominees and winners in all categories? You can find them here.