About us

All design is social design

The Social Design Network aims to transform the design discipline from within. True to the founding vision of Dr. Bori Fehér (MOME, Hungary) and Prof. Jonatan Ventura (Shenkar, Israel), we work both with and for local communities on a global platform through collaborative processes and knowledge-sharing. Through each project, we actively develop and explore new forms of collaboration, as well as innovative methods and tools for positive social impact.

How can we begin to manifest this ambitious endeavor in an impactful and sustainable way? Our approach spans three areas: design pedagogy and education, design practice, and research.
In each area, we are committed to working within social design frameworks, co-creating research projects, publications, courses, and conferences with a diverse set of partners. While our network is rooted in higher education, we collaborate with non-profit organisations, government agencies, and industry partners that share our values.

A careful approach

The Social Design Network works with a humanistic and pluralist value system. We engage complex global challenges and socio-cultural change with curiosity, empathy, care, perseverance, and humility. Within each project, we also flip the lens to critically question our role as designers, design researchers, and educators.

We work to develop innovative strategies with individuals and communities navigating uncertain conditions. Each strategy seeks to address the psychological, socio-cultural, and political dimensions of this important shift.

Our work is enabled through the strength of our network and its collective effect. While our founding members and board maintain a shared vision across activations, our members self-lead impactful projects around the world.

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How to join SDN?

SDN is an open, inclusive network centered around individuals. Twice a year - in a fall and a spring term - the Network opens itself to new members. To maintain a steady, paceable growth in which new members are integrated with care, up to 10 new members are invited to join each year. Above all, SDN aims to provide genuine value to those who become part of the community.
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  • Who can become a Member of SDN?

    We welcome individuals who:

    • Have demonstrated work and experience in the research, education, or practice of social design or related fields
    • Align with the network’s values
    • Are committed to collaborative knowledge production – through active contribution to projects, publications, partnership development or governance and network support
    • Are able to make at least one meaningful annual contribution to SDN activities (such as active involvement in an event, paper, workshop, mentorship, or review work)
    • Participate in regular network exchanges and meetings

    PhD students are warmly invited to join and take part in  the network’s dedicated PhD Special Interest Group.

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  • What is the process of joining SDN?

    You may apply directly through the SDN website, or be referred by a current member — the process is the same either way. We ask applicants to complete an application form covering professional background and requiring acceptance of SDN’s key policies and commitments.

    Applications are reviewed by a committee of current SDN members and Board members, and an introductory call is arranged with a committee member. Once accepted, new members are onboarded in time to join the next Online Member Meeting, and to gain access to the member mailing list, webpage, and community initiatives.

    Applications are accepted during two annual windows:

    Spring Term
    Applications open May 1 – June 30

    Fall Term
    Applications open November 2 – January 31

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  • What levels of participation are expected?

    Membership in SDN is not merely a status, but an active relationship with the network. Members are encouraged to self-initiate projects and help shape the network’s ongoing processes. Different forms and levels of engagement are welcome.

    Examples of contribution include:

    • Hosting a discussion
    • Sharing research
    • Facilitating or co-facilitating a workshop
    • Teaching alongside other members
    • Writing or providing content for the newsletter
    • Supporting an ongoing project (grant, course, publication, etc.)
    • Supporting the development of new projects
    • Taking part in event development (conferences, in-person meetups, online meetups)
    • Offering peer mentorship
    • Documenting community knowledge

    What is required of every member:

    • Read and accept the SDN community principles
    • Complete a profile on the SDN webpage
    • Select their preferred forms of contribution (as part of the application form)
    • Join an existing Special Interest Group, or start a new one
    • Participate in Online Member Meetings and in-person events
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  • What are the network's recurring activities?

    SDN’s activities take many forms across the year, offering members regular opportunities to connect, collaborate, and contribute:

    • Online Member Meetings, held twice a year
    • An in-person Member Meeting at the bi-annual SDN Conference
    • The bi-annual SDN Conference, held at a different location each time
    • Various events related to, or organized by, network members
    • Co-led academic courses
    • Workshop development for events
    • Content development for publications
    • Grant development within consortiums
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