In October of each year, Dutch Design Week (DDW) takes place in Eindhoven. The biggest design event in Northern Europe presents work and ideas of more than 2600 designers to more than 335,000 visitors from home and abroad. In more than hundred locations across the city, DDW organises and facilitates exhibitions, lectures, prize ceremonies, networking events, debates and festivities.

Theme: If not us, then who?

Almost everything in the world has been or is being designed. This offers opportunities, but with this come enormous responsibilities; for designers, but also for policy makers, clients, users and governments. The world belongs to us all. Director Martijn Paulen explains about the role of designers: ‘Designers think up solutions, create innovations, are pioneers, make things tangible and functional. They look at their surroundings and the world in a unique way. “How could it be different, better?” And to these questions designers continually supply authentic and surprising answers. It is up to us all to embrace and stimulate these creative solutions, and that includes you. If not you, then who? Together we decide how the world will look. Now it’s our turn; If not us, then who?’