Dutch Design Week 2026 presents: Mission Days—the ultimate gathering place where designers and professional visitors of DDW connect. Here, they engage in meaningful discussions on societal challenges through the lens of design’s transformative power. This programme is designed to expand networks, share knowledge, and foster inspiring collaborations.
Programme
The Mission Days programme primarily takes place at the edges of the day, outside regular DDW opening hours. This ensures that designers can both engage in insightful discussions and welcome visitors to their exhibitions during the main DDW hours.
Morning Sessions
The morning sessions are the heart of Mission Days and offer a unique opportunity to host an event or activity within the context of a DDW mission, connect with fellow designers and relevant professionals, and expand your network. All morning events are part of the official Mission Days programme, leaving the rest of the day free to welcome visitors to your exhibition.
Afternoon and evening
In addition to the morning sessions, optional afternoon and evening activities take place across the city, from guided tours to interactive sessions. These events provide extra inspiration and opportunities to engage with visitors and peers in meaningful ways.
A Different Mission Each Day
Monday, October 19 | Living Environment
Designing for a better quality of life through innovations in urban planning, mobility, and sustainable materials.
Tuesday, October 20 | Thriving Planet
Strengthening the planet’s natural resilience through sustainable design—or at the very least, ensuring that design does not stand in its way.
Wednesday, October 21 | Digital Futures
Exploring and shaping digital realities and futures, from virtual worlds and AI to global platforms and personal digital experiences.
Thursday, October 22 | Health & Well-being
Design that enhances our food, healthcare, happiness, and the most valuable asset we have: our health.
Friday, October 23 | Equal Society
To build an inclusive and fair society, we must (re)design systems and interactions that value everyone. Safety, inclusivity, and connection are at the heart of this mission.
Morning Sessions
A morning programme featuring in-depth events for professionals, brought together at a single location (Natlab, Eindhoven), allowing attendees with shared interests to meet and exchange knowledge and expertise.
Afternoon
The afternoon creates the space for visitors to enjoy the exhibitions with undivided attention. Therefore, we do not offer activities between 12:30 and 16:30 during the Mission Days.
Evening Sessions
An in-depth evening programme aligned with the morning discussions.
