Many businesses and societies with aging populations and growing environmental challenges have recently confronted a new challenge: How to create more value with less resources? In this situation, the conventional ‘technology push’ model and traditional industrial design do not suffice any more. A more integrative way of creating and delivering products and services, uniting the efforts of people, companies, and the public sector is needed. This is where a new, human-centric approach to design becomes critical.
The purpose of Helsinki Design Lab is to explore the challenges and opportunities of the new human-centric design approach, to promote design as a relevant approach to systemic changes, to strengthen the image of Finland as a development laboratory for new ideas and innovations and to build a base for continuous creative and innovative dialogue concerning the dimensions of new design paradigm. Thus, Helsinki Design Lab is a journey, not a conventional seminar with keynote speeches and lectures. Participants will continuously create and contribute throughout.
Participation to this event is by invitation only. The programme of the Helsinki Design Lab and working methods used during the event will rely on the creativity, knowledge, and experience of the participants. A few cases in which the new design approach has already been used successfully will be presented. Prior to Helsinki Design Lab an internet site will be opened that is dedicated to the preparation of the event and is open to partners and participants for pre-event brainstorming.