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How can design shape democracy, transform public services, and create more sustainable cities? From November 11 to 14, 2026, the Design Policy Days will bring together international designers, researchers, policymakers, and creative thinkers to explore the role of design as a driving force for social and political change.
Marking the grand finale of World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026, the four-day conference takes place across three cities, each offering a different perspective on the relationship between design and society.
On November 11 in Wiesbaden, When Public Service Is Designed explores citizen-centered public services, digital administration, and co-design. On November 12 in Offenbach, When Form Becomes Attitude examines design as a political practice, with contributions from Tatjana Schneider, Noemi Biasseton, and Silvio Lorusso. On November 13 in Frankfurt, When Design Gets Political focuses on design's potential to strengthen democratic institutions, featuring speakers including Lucy Kimbell, Nicole Deitelhoff, and Pradyumna Vyas.
The event culminates on November 14 with the Design Assembly at Frankfurt's historic Paulskirche. Here, the Design Action Plan Frankfurt RheinMain will be presented—a roadmap for embedding design into regional decision-making through 2030. The celebrations conclude with the official handover of the World Design Capital title to Busan, South Korea, for 2028.
Under the overarching theme Design for Democracy. Atmospheres for a Better Life., the Design Policy Days invite participants to rethink design not merely as a creative discipline, but as a powerful tool for shaping our collective future.
Participation is free.
When?
November 11 to 14, 2026
Where?
Heimathafen Wiesbaden, HfG Offenbach, Normative Ordnung Frankfurt, Paulskirche Frankfurt
More information, program details, and registration here
