The residency will take place on Siargao Island from 13-24 July 2026. Arrivals for selected participants should be scheduled for 12 July.

Applications must be completed online by completing the form on WDO’s website. The application includes a short video, CV and responses to a number of questions. We recommend starting early and ensuring submissions before 31 March 2026 at 23:59 EDT.

No. Interdesign values diverse perspectives. Non-designers who can contribute relevant expertise, insights, or community-based knowledge are encouraged to apply.

Applications are open to participants from all over the world, both designers and non-designers. A list of profiles is shared in the Participants’ brief and on the application form and include: designers, policy makers, engineers, MSME Innovators.

There is no fee to attend or apply if selected for the Interdesign, however there are important budgetary considerations that are the responsibility of the participant including airfare/travel to Siargao island, and any health or travel insurance you may wish to purchase. Additional details are available in the Participant’s Brief.

No. However please note your WDO Member organization/affilitation if applicable as it will be considered in our selection criteria.

Interdesign involves international travel, immersive fieldwork, and independent engagement within a host community. In line with World Design Organization’s duty of care and safeguarding responsibilities, participants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of the residency.

Applicants must submit a CV, one-minute video, and portfolio or equivalent evidence of work through the application form. We encourage you to complete the full application form to be considered.

For designers:
Submit a design portfolio showing relevant work completed within the last five years.

For non-designers:
Applicants may submit equivalent evidence of work that demonstrates their thinking, process, capabilities, or impact. Examples may include:

• Research studies or outputs
• Publications
• Programme or project documentation
• Process improvements or system enhancements

The Interdesign will have a maximum of 80 participants, 50% from the Philippines and 50% international.

Each individual application will be reviewed on its own merit. We cannot guarantee groups will be selected.

Applicants will be informed of their acceptance status by May 2026.

Due to the collaborative contributions in the Interdesign process, all shared knowledge and produced design concepts become the shared intellectual property of all participating designers. Rights to any designs remain vested in the participant group collectively, unless such designs are already part of the public domain.

Yes, unless otherwise stated in project-specific agreements. Participants will receive clear instructions on how outputs can be shared or represented publicly.

The primary working language will be English. Participants must be comfortable collaborating and presenting in English.

This is a full-time, immersive, two-week residency programme. Participants are expected to join all scheduled sessions, workshops, field activities, and collaborative work.

This is a full-time, immersive, two-week residency. Participants are expected to join all scheduled sessions, workshops, field activities, and collaborative work. However, there will be 1-2 dedicated hours each day for personal responsibilities.

Yes. Participants will engage with local communities and organizations in Siargao Island as part of the research and co-creation process.

The host will provide hotel accommodation, meals, and local transportation throughout the residency period. Necessary international and domestic flights to and from Siargao Island shall be the responsibility of participants.

At this time, there is no funding available for travel.

While not a programme with an accreditation, we will provide a certificate to those who complete the Interdesign.

Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel and health insurance coverage for the duration of the residency. As Interdesign involves international travel and field-based activities, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage in the event of an emergency and/or trip interruption.

You know your personal health history best and should research coverage options that suit your individual needs while away from home.

Please also ensure that:

• All medical and personal information forms are completed accurately and honestly
• Your records are kept up to date, including emergency contact details (shared with us if you are selected)
• You review any recommended or required vaccinations in advance of travel

Taking these steps will help ensure a safe and smooth experience for everyone involved.

This is a full-time, immersive, two-week residency. Should you be accompanied by family, this should be arranged seperately and at the cost of the participant.

Currently, our facilitators are already working with the team at DCP to prepare the Interdesign. If you think that your skills are best suited to a co-facilitator roll, please indicate this in your application form.

The two-week format is designed around group dynamics, and leadership or facilitation roles often emerge organically among participants. Interdesigns tends to attract people who are outgoing, and comfortable working collaboratively in an intensive group setting.