This year’s Mainzer Designgespräche are called “Kraftstoff Design. Netzwerke als Wirtschaftsmotor“ [Fuel Design. Networks as an Economic Engine] and offer lectures on networking and design practices as well as a two-part workshop for all participants for practical implementation.
The Design Forum Rhineland-Palatinate initiates the Mainzer Designgespräche annually and sees the future in the combination of the two themes “Design and Networking”.
“Fuel Design” is the first part of the title and focuses on the importance of design as a global value in general. “The work of designers doesn’t just end with the practical cover of a product. It also generates added value for companies through the way designers approach a task [...]”, the Design Forum sums up the way designers work.
“Networks as an Economic Engine”, the second part of the title, describes how networks are an ever stronger, driving force in the world of work; they can be decisive in obtaining projects, job offers or collaborations.
The programme starts at 4 pm with three lectures, including one by the journalist Tina Groll, talking about “Success Is Only Possible through Networking”. The workshops will follow, with participants coming together in cross-industry small groups with a designer as leader. Objectives will be developed collectively and prioritised in a “Design to Business” network. Among the team coaches are local designers such as Axel Sucrow from Fischhalle, Martina Miocevic from Designstudio Mathilda Mutant and Stephan Günther.
Following further elements of the programme, such as a podium discussion, participants will of course have the opportunity to network.