Explorations at Dutch Design Week

Dutch Design Week 2025 brought together some of the most forward-thinking studios, exhibitions and research initiatives shaping the future of design. Over three days in Eindhoven, the On design team joined this journey, meeting the communities behind these ideas and learning firsthand how they’re pushing sustainability forward. From intimate studio visits to immersive exhibitions, the tour offered a close-up look at new materials, emerging technologies and more responsible ways of creating. Each stop revealed how designers are responding to global challenges with curiosity, honesty and a lot of experimentation. Together, these encounters formed a vivid snapshot of contemporary design in motion and reminded us why staying connected to the wider creative world matters.

By the end, a few themes kept resurfacing: roots and technology, nature and innovation – the contradictions that usually pull in opposite directions showed how they can meet in the same space. Across studios and exhibitions, designers were searching for a middle ground between these forces, not choosing one over the other but letting both shape their work. That tension created some of the most striking ideas we encountered. It's a reminder that progress in design doesn’t come from a single path.

Green sights

Exploring the threshold where synthetic digital green merges with organic growth. Rewild Farming showed us how vegetation can reclaim urban environments, while the exhibition 'Other Intelligences' challenged us to reconsider the deep parallels between technological systems and natural processes.

A dialogue on color

Refining tone and balance. At Raw Color, we explored how sensitivity to color and finishes can shape industrial manufacturing, while Envisions Agency revealed how an airline company’s product development process can be reimagined through design.

In dialogue with new generations

Exploring excitement, innovation, hope, and resilience. At the Design Academy 'Eindhoven Graduation Show', we were struck by the strength and diversity of the students’ work, from 'Not For Climbing' by Marie de Lavergne de Cerval to 'The Color of Laundry' by Leto Keunen.

Rethinking making

Spaces where we became the students. At the 'Welded Loop' exhibition by Suzanne Oude Hengel x Joris de Groot, we explored a rethinking of shoe manufacturing through thoughtful and sustainable solutions. Alongside this, we encountered makers and builders who are redefining production with alternative, forward-looking approaches.

Close connections

Interwoven life and design journeys. We were welcomed into the thoughtfully designed home of Harm Rensink and engaged in an inspiring conversation about his practice in Eindhoven and beyond. Kiki and Joost then offered an introduction to their new waterfront atelier, alongside demonstrations of the tools shaping their work. Every direct connection and encounter throughout this journey proved deeply inspiring.

Interaction and technology

Dystopian realities in dialogue with human essence. 'Other Intelligences' prompted reflection on our impact as designers by presenting both utopian and dystopian future scenarios. Through interaction, play and moments of lightness, the exhibition also led us toward more difficult, necessary questions.

Interaction and craft

Exploring future approaches to craftsmanship and touch. In conversation with Jeanne Mora, we examined her 'Inflatable Knits' project, while at New Order of Fashion we engaged directly with materiality through hands-on wool tufting, using surplus wool from the Netherlands’ wool industry, which discards 1.5 million kilograms annually.

Team run and ride

Celebrating the joy of movement that brought us together – whether swinging on the water-powered swing at Section C, joining the team run to the Next Nature Museum, or cycling through rainy Eindhoven on our daily commute.

Community and lunch

Sharing more than a meal. At Rewild Farming, we were welcomed into their studio and enjoyed 'Infinite Soup', made from locally recycled organic plants. We also shared pizza at Section C and a memorable meal at Kazerne, highlighting how food can bring people together and enrich the experience of community.

Farming

Rediscovering what’s always been around us. At Rewild Farming, we explored the flower pits, crafted our own bouquets, and breathed in the rich, earthy scent of compost – a hands-on reminder of nature’s rhythms.

Community

Is all we look forward to. Thank you, Tina, for the tour.

All photos were captured by the On Design Team.