The design discourse of WDC 2026 aims to address two major challenges:

On the one hand, spaces for open social exchange are disappearing – whether due to economic pressure, digital isolation or increasing polarisation. On the other hand, the power of design to shape society is often still underestimated – even within the discipline itself. Yet design is far more than just aesthetic form. It is the design of social processes, public spaces and collective negotiations.

It is at this intersection of design and democracy that we begin with our podcast and the accompanying newsletter. We ask:

• How do we design places, formats and platforms that enable democratic participation?
• How can designers help to reclaim spaces for discourse – and create new ones?
• And what is needed to ensure that as many people as possible see themselves as active co-creators of our future?

WDC Newsletter

In the accompanying newsletter, we expand on the topics covered in the latest podcast episode, provide background information and recommend further reading.