The programme is aligned with WDO’s mission to design for a better world, and its objectives to promote the use of design to help meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

This initiative aims to strengthen the role of design leadership today, by planting seeds that will lead to a large impact tomorrow.  

The Young Designers Circles programme consists of two groups who work collaboratively and independently over a 2-year term.

YDC Contributors are a group of individuals within their first 8 years of their design focus.

These individuals have the mindset of building their personal identity and focus within design, working on impactful and portfolio building projects and developing their perspective and voice within the design community.

YDC Collaborators are a group of individuals within their first leadership roles within the design field.

These individuals have the mindset of developing thought leadership, learning how to program / project manage through a lens of inspiration, and develop their voice to transform their team, company, or work.