How can design – whether in the field of product design, interiors, architecture, graphic design, or otherwise – contribute to maximizing social impact? How much creativity can be found in successful social enterprises? And how much social engagement can be invested in design? Such questions were addressed by experts from Switzerland and Austria – in a public panel discussion and a two-hour crossover workshop with a small circle of social entrepreneurs and designers. These were able to register via KAT (Kreativwirtschaft Austria) to take part in the networking format, which promotes multi-sectoral cooperation. The participants were supported by two teams of mentors: Nicole Lachenmeier & Darjan Hil from Studio Superdot from the VDW Guest Country Switzerland and Sofia Podreka of the Social Craft Business GOODGOODs stood ready to share their experience of interdisciplinary projects. Together, they ascertained where cooperation between social business and designers (from design and other creative industries) is both logical and good for business. 

The workshop was followed by the panel discussion “Social Entrepreneurship meets Design”, which was hosted by ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA from the Austrian Economic Chamber. A further aspect of the cooperation was the exhibition DESIGN EVERYDAY, which was supported by KAT and in which many of the projects presented by Designstudio Vandasye also addressed social issues. The panel consisted of Nicole Lachmeier & Darjan Hil (Superdot) and Sofia Podreka (GOODGOODs) and was moderated by Katharina Moser (mosaik/creative cooperation).

The talk can be seen online here CLICK