Designs role in the 21st century

For decades - in Denmark as well as in most other parts of the world - an amazing number of people have occupied themselves with what has always seemed like a key question; what is design? Instead of adding yet another attempt at defining what design is, we suggest a closer look at what design does.

Design does make a difference to artefacts and enhances physical objects. So far so good; no-one seems to contest design’s ability to beautify, simplify and add meaning to a product, adding value throughout the value chain from manufacturing through sales and distribution to the user - in the word's most inclusive sense.

Design can be discussed and measured on a variety of scales. One approach is focusing on the economical value good design adds. We, however, would rather see a more balanced approach where concerns for the bottom line, the user and society at large are balanced; Design for People, Design for Profit and Design for Planet

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Danish Designers' manifesto: A vision for the future of design in Denmark.

The manifesto deals with the following topics:

• Let us discuss what design can do - rather than what design is
• Overview and terminology
• Design for profit
• Design for people
• Design for planet
• Design research & education
• Design support
• Design promotion
• Design commitment
• Danish design in a Scandinavian, European and global context
• Recommendations

First edition of the manifesto was published in October 2005, edited by Lise Vejse Klint, president 2002-2004 and 2004-2006 and Steinar Valade-Amland, managing director. Second edition published in January 2008 - edited by Pernille Grønbech, president 2006-2008 og Steinar Valade-Amland, managing director.

This is the 3rd edition of the Danish Designers manifesto - published in January 2010. You can download the manifesto here