Five projects launched within the Programme Power of Design and Transitions
We’re excited to announce the launch of five projects within the programme Power of Design & Transitions. Creative professionals, researchers and commissioning parties are working together to develop new knowledge, tools and methods for sustainable change within fields such as circular fashion, living environments, agro-food, digital agency and elderly care.
In January, 51 project ideas were submitted. A working group from the CLICKNL programme council selected five promising proposals, which were then approved by the CLICKNL board. The selected teams got to work: until early May, they refined their ideas into fully developed project plans, including budgets and partnerships. They also organised network events to sharpen their ideas and strengthen collaborations, and held consultations with CLICKNL and its programme council.
In early May, the project teams submitted their final proposals. The programme council assessed the quality of the plans, based on which the board gave formal approval for the five projects to proceed.
Each of the five projects focuses on a specific societal theme and works with a diverse group of partners to develop innovative solutions. By using design-driven research, the teams also generate new knowledge and develop methods for applying design power and a design-based approach.
Below is an overview of the five teams and their areas of focus.
Care Repair
Partners: ArtEZ University of the Arts, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, morgenmakers, Comuun, Fabriek Fris, Mended, Leemans & Wicker, Modint, Miele, Fornet, Le Nouveau Chef, Livera, America Today, Denim City, New Order of Fashion, Modestraat, Milieu Centraal
Care Repair focuses on extending the lifespan of clothing through maintenance, repair, tailoring and customisation. The project recognises that understanding how clothes are used is essential, and explores how users, tailors, designers and brands can work together to develop systems that encourage care and repair in order to lengthen clothing lifespans.
VITAL
Partners: Fontys, LivingLAB040, KAW architects, Van Tuijn Urban Planning, KaiserVR, BioBased Creations, P&H Advisors
Many transition themes intersect in our living environment. Yet the ambitions of interventions in this domain often go unrealised. The creative industry can play a key role in connecting and embedding these ambitions. This project explores how that role can be fulfilled – by embracing complexity, bridging the gap between policy goals and implementation, and shifting decision-making from short-term logic to value- and future-driven approaches that place citizens at the centre.
Grassroots
Partners: Wageningen University & Research, In4art, ScaleUp Practitioners, Dutch Design Foundation, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam
Grassroots uses design power to enable systemic change in support of sustainability and circular practices in the Dutch food system. The project develops Minimum Viable Ecosystems (MVEs): temporary networks of startups, farmers, researchers and designers who co-create new value through impactful innovations. Designers guide iterative processes to test and strengthen these ecosystems, and a framework is developed to validate the societal impact of startups early in the innovation process.
SpaceTeen
Partners: University of Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam, ScrollScrollScroll, Muzus, TodayTomorrow, KPN, YoungMedia, Kinderpostzegels, NEMO
SpaceTeen addresses the impasse that limits young people’s digital agency. Together with youth, researchers and the creative industry, the project develops design pilots to explore how young people can gain more control over their social media use. It investigates how design can contribute to a more balanced digital environment that better reflects the values and needs of young people. Youth are central to this transition process – not just as a target group, but as active co-creators of the future.
Systemic interventions with impact: designing the future of elderly care
Partners: Inholland University of Applied Sciences, morgenmakers, Greenberry, Marieke Rietbergen, Studio Laura Koenen, ActiZ, Sociaal Werk Nederland, Simac
Elderly care is under pressure due to an ageing population and a shrinking workforce. This project explores how systemic change can be achieved through improved collaboration between formal care, informal caregivers and social work. The creative industry is already contributing to this, but efforts are fragmented: many pilots, little coherence. This project focuses on scaling up and professionalising design power to orchestrate change within the care transition.
Next steps
The projects will launch in autumn 2025 and run for a maximum of three years. In addition to conducting their own research, the project teams will jointly develop a cross-cutting research initiative and a programme-wide knowledge dissemination plan. This will ensure that the insights gained are broadly shared within the creative industry. So keep an eye on the projects and the programme through our channels to stay informed and learn with us!
The first opportunity to meet the projects will be during the Design Innovation Sessions at Dutch Design Week, where the teams will present their plans to the public.
Interested in participating in the Design Power & Transitions programme? CLICKNL will open a new call for proposals on 2 June. This is a new opportunity for creative professionals, researchers and problem owners to jointly gain experience and knowledge in designing for transitions. Stay tuned via our newsletter and channels for more information!