De Publieke Otwerppraktijk

What if Lab

This project is now archived and was part of DDW24

This project is part of
Designing Society

The Ministry of Culture, Education and Science wants to make better use of creative brainpower in solving complex social issues. To this end, the ministry has initiated the three-year programme The Public Design Practice (PONT).

A designing approach to social issues

Our society is facing significant difficulties and complex issues like housing shortages and healthcare deficits. These challenges cannot be solved by a single party or one approach. This leads to many issues feeling gridlocked. However, a design-driven approach can open up new possibilities. By including diverse perspectives, using the power of imagination, and experimenting, this approach helps to break open systems, explore new directions, and tackle large challenges step by step. More and more designers are collaborating with government bodies on societal challenges. These 'public design practices' produce promising results, but can also be challenging. A design approach is experimental and people-centered, while the government focuses on efficiency and effectiveness. These characteristics can complement each other well, but successful collaboration does require careful structuring. PONT develops the knowledge, organizational culture, and infrastructure needed to effectively apply a design-driven approach within public organizations.