The German Design Council is Germany’s leading authority on design. Since 1953. As a thought leader in the field, we are committed to realising the potential of design for a sustainable future. We connect business with design – for circular design, transformation, and economic success.
The practice of design research in Germany
New study by IfDRA
How well positioned is design research in Germany?
The study ‘On the Practice of Design Research in Germany 2024’ (Zur Praxis der Designforschung in Deutschland) published by the German Design Council clearly shows that, in an international comparison, German design research still has considerable potential for improvement. At the same time, the study shows that design research can help not only to strengthen design practice, but also to significantly increase the innovative strength of companies.
The new study by the Institute for Design Research and Appliance (IfDRA) offers exciting insights and concrete recommendations on how design research can promote innovation and transformation in companies.
(Download is currently only available in German)
Events for foundation members
Connecting People. Driving Exchange.
New views and inspiring insights from the world of design. That's why we regularly bring the members of the German Design Council Foundation together.
Our various formats and different focal points open up new perspectives, create tangible design content and enable experts, decision-makers and design enthusiasts to engage in cross-industry dialogue.
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The Major German Brands 2025
‘Linking together clever ideas for ensuring efficient (re)usability of products on the one hand, with a design that is functional on the other, will unlock tremendous economic power.’
Dr Rober Habeck, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection
What are the stories behind strong brands? The German Design Council offers a comprehensive overview of the German brand landscape and shows how The Major German Brands 2025 - pushing circular design. is shaping our common future sustainably with circular design and transformative approaches. With exciting company portraits and inspiring examples of best practice.
Frankfurt is World Design Capital '26!
And The German Design Council is Partner
The World Design Organization™ (WDO), based in Montreal, Canada, announced that Frankfurt and the RheinMain Region will become World Design Capital for the year 2026.
Frankfurt RheinMain was nominated with the content concept Design for Democrcacy. Atmospheres for a better life, along with Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was one of the two finalists selected by the WDO's international committee, which represents all continents, and prevailed with its concept.
The German Design Council is a partner of the initiative and, together with the implementation company under the direction of Prof. Matthias Wagner K, is delighted about the well-deserved project award.
Can architecture shape an intelligent, resilient and sustainable future?
Design Perspectives Podcast
In the new Design Perspectives Podcast, personalities from design, brand management and architecture reveal in inspiring conversations how they use design to drive transformation, sustainability and economic success.
In this episode, architect, engineer, and curator Carlo Ratti – director of the MIT Senseable City Lab and curator of the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale – explores how architecture can respond to today’s most urgent global challenges. Ratti discusses the evolving role of architects in a world shaped by climate change, digital transformation, and growing urban complexity. His approach calls for a new form of architectural intelligence – one that is natural, artificial, and collective.
In conversation with host Martin Pauli, Ratti reflects on how architects must act as facilitators of change, working collaboratively across disciplines and beyond traditional boundaries. From rethinking material cycles and curatorial processes to using cities like Venice as testbeds for innovation, he illustrates how architecture can become a catalyst for sustainability, inclusivity, and adaptability.
ndion.de, the content platform of the German Design Council, curates relevant content at the interfaces of design, brand and innovation. Inspiring interviews with designers and portraits of renowned design studios provide insights into international trends, with a focus on artificial intelligence, circular design and the role of design as a business factor.
Press
In our press area you will find all current press releases from all our fields of activity.