in content lists or on the content page.International event organized in Helsinki on 23-25 June seeks solutions for the challenges of the societies
Helsinki Design Lab gathers over 80 participants from all over the world in the field of design, business and administration to innovate solutions for the challenges societies are facing today. The forum is organized in cooperation with Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund and Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation.
– The main idea behind the forum is that design can be a tool when solutions for wider challenges faced by the societies are needed. Through human centric approach in design it is possible to affect on individual consumption habits and through that change the wider picture. A good example can be found in India, where the design of recycling bins to fit an ordinary Indian kitchen has had an effect on peoples recycling habits in daily life, says Executive Vice President Mikko Kosonen from Sitra.
Experts froom all over the world have been participating creative workshops, where design has been the starting point for concrete problem solving proposals. Workshops have been tackling issues such as senior daily life at home or health care.
Helsinki Design Lab is also closely linked to the National Innovation Strategy that was published in June. The strategy underlines the need of systemic changes, which refers to a wide change in the society and a simultaneous change in the behavior of individuals of that society.
Rector of University of Art and Design Yrjö Sotamaa underlined the combination and the role of innovation, business and design knowledge as an asset for the Finnish competitiveness.
– New Aalto University which combines the University of Art and Design, Helsinki School of Economics and Helsinki University of Technology is a crucial step to improve the Finnish innovation and design environment, Sotamaa said.
Helsinki Design Forum has been designed to promote Finland as the land of design and innovations but also as a forum to find concrete solutions to improve people´s lives.
– Helsinki is a very good spot to host an event such as Helsinki Design Forum. Finland has credibility worldwide in the field of design. Also the benefits of a small country are clear here, as it is possible to bring people of different branches together to innovate and discuss common challenges. This is a good way to advance systemic changes, Mikko Kosonen pointed out.