DesignDiscussions.org is a new design publication. This first issue is published in late March at the OLO.MUOTO event. The transdisciplinary magazine is distributed internationally with an aim to create discussion amongst its readers and professional circles. Social media contribute an important part of the publication’s identity.
Transdisciplinarity
DesignDiscussions.org is not only a design magazine, but a culture and business publication as well, operating in the in-betweens of a variety of professional fields. The magazine aims to take as wide a view on design as possible, with focus points onconcept design, service design and design thinking (design as a process) as well as industrial, interior, furniture, and lighting design, architecture, fashion, and jewellery.
Futures & Business
DesignDiscussions.org portrays positive examples of the ways design affects business operations. In addition, the publication takes a glance at the future and attempts to understand on-going changes. DesignDiscussions.org challenges its readers to take part in the societal discussion on the importance of design. The future-oriented magazine is a great example of innovation journalism; a closer view is given, for example, to DTV technology and the future of the printed newspaper.
Design Research & Art
DesignDiscussions.org also presents design research. The dialogue between design, art, and technology reveals the evolution of design expertise. On the other hand, the magazine takes a closer look at slow design, downshifting, and the promotion of wellbeing. Find out what sort of a soup takes a whole year to cook.
Critique and Debate
DesignDiscussions.org promotes debate. The magazine does analyses and takes a stand on issues. The long history of literary criticism is widely appreciated. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about design criticism – a gap which DesignDiscussion.org aims to fill for its own part. The publication pays attention to the quality of design and-the importance thereof. Constructive criticism aims to develop expertise in to develop expertise in design and related professional fields.
Design /Underground
DesignDiscussions.org is not only a shiny front with a lack of substance. We ask what kind of design differs from the mainstream and belongs to the margins. What kind of stylistic solutions are used by sub- and countercultures as they build up their group identities? Design / Underground is not merely about graffiti or other underground means of presentation; nearly unknown stylistic universes are found presentation; nearly unknown stylistic universes are found also in, for example, the business world.
The first issue focuses on Finland. We present Finnish competence, interesting design-related research projects, and future views.Besides professionals and experts we wish to reach audiences hitherto relatively unfamiliar with the world of design. Whilst at it, we wish to make different fields of expertise meet and to spark discussions between (and regardless of) different professional groups. Please be welcome to take part in the discussion at DesignDiscussions.org.
Jari Koskinen, Editor in Chief
