Design for Europe project partners came together once again for the latest in a series of regular consortium meetings, this time hosted by the Danish Design Centre (DDC) at their new offices in Copenhagen. An interactive, sometimes improvised, but nevertheless productive two days followed!
Sessions included refining the vision for Design for Europe, developing platform functionality, and shaping the user experience – plus the obligatory administration and management topics.
Additional interest was provided by an entertaining presentation on the expansion of DDC’s future role by its new CEO, Christian Bason. Design consultants Hatch and Bloom provided an inspirational case study on how good design can transform public social services – in this case, designing the provision of subsidised meals to its citizens.
Highlights from 2014 include the launch of the Design for Europe microsite; 26 supporting events delivered across 15 Member States – with over 2000 delegates; 8000 individuals reached via social media; and the recruitment of our 12-strong expert group.
As well as a celebration of progress made, we shared our plans for 2015. These include holding a number of Design for Europe events around Europe to promote the platform and establish a sustainable network of users. We discussed Design for Europe as a ‘community of practice’ – and the conditions and actions which might sustain the platform beyond the life of the project.
The meeting was also an opportunity to meet fellow project participants, strengthening the bonds and friendships that have been established during the first year of this three-year project.
Martyn Evans
Daniela Sangiorgi
David Hands
John Chisholm