Hosted by WDO Promotional Member the Design Council, the 34th World Design Congress and WDO General Assembly will take place in London (United Kingdom), some 50 years after the event was last hosted in the city in 1969. Set for 9-11 September 2025, the three-day event will gather the international design community and thought leaders from business, research and education to explore the theme of ‘Design for Planet’.

The 2-day conference (9-10 September) and 1-day WDO General Assembly (11 September) will run in conjunction with the London Design Festival, showcasing some of the most innovative design solutions from British designers and highlighting the importance of putting the planet at the heart of our design work.

Subscribe to the World Design Congress newsletter to stay up to date on programme announcements and ticket availability.

Call for papers and posters

A valued part of each World Design Congress is the public call for papers and posters. WDO is now accepting submissions for extended abstracts and posters in line with the Design for Planet theme.

Following a double blind review process, papers selected for publication may also be invited to attend the Congress in-person to discuss their research. Accepted posters will also be on display at the Barbican Centre.

Submissions from academia and industry, or collaborative efforts are welcome. Review the submission guidelines and explore sub-themes below. Deadline to submit is 31 May 2025 at 23:59EDT.

Sub-Themes

The effects of climate change are more evident than ever and this global crisis needs a global response. Designers and commissioners of design all around the world have a critical role to play in designing a regenerative future by reducing carbon emissions and increasing biodiversity.

Under the over-arching theme of ‘Design for Planet’, abstracts on the following three sub-themes will be called:

Shifting Paradigms — From Extractive to Regenerative Design

Design is at a pivotal moment where its role must transcend sustainability and embrace regeneration. This sub-theme explores the paradigm shift required to design systems, products, and spaces that not only reduce harm but actively restore and renew ecosystems. It delves into the principles of regenerative design, including biomimicry, systems thinking, and circularity. The author(s) should highlight real-world applications, such as projects that replenish natural habitats, restore depleted resources, and enhance biodiversity, showcasing the transformative potential of design in addressing planetary health.

Key words: Regenerative Design, Systems Thinking, Ecological Restoration, Biomimicry, Resource Replenishment, Education

Economy and Design — Innovating for Circular Economies

The integration of design within circular economy frameworks is essential for achieving a sustainable future. This sub-theme examines how design innovation supports the shift from linear, extractive economic models to circular systems that prioritize reuse, repair, and recycling. Through case studies and practical research, the author(s) must emphasize the designer’s role in creating scalable and economically viable solutions. It should also address the economic incentives and challenges in transitioning to circularity and how policy and industry partnerships can catalyze this transformation.

Key words: Circular Economy, Design Innovation, Waste Minimization, Resource Efficiency, Creative Industries

Policy and Design — Shaping a Global Response

Policy frameworks are critical in driving large-scale design innovation and environmental action. This sub-theme addresses how design can influence, and be influenced by, global policy efforts such as climate adaptation strategies, urban resilience planning, and international agreements like the Paris Accord. Submissions must highlight successful collaborations between designers and policymakers, such as Copenhagen’s Climate Plan, and explore how policy can create opportunities for design to flourish as a tool for societal change. Author(s) should underscore the importance of aligning design practices with regulatory and institutional goals.

Key words: Design for Climate Policy, Design-Led Innovation, Urban Resilience, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Education

Click the button below to get started on your submission. Deadline to submit is 31 May 2025. Have questions? Contact us at abstracts@wdo.org.

Have expertise in one or more of the sub-themes listed above? Before 28 February 2025, WDO is looking to identify qualified individuals to serve as reviewers for abstract submissions

VIDEOS

On 10 September 2024, the Design Council and WDO held a webinar to share more on the Congress theme of Design for Planet and how WDO Members and designers internationally can get involved.