DFGN annual events and programs

The DFGN team sits in Aalto University’s Design Factory, in Finland. Yes, that cold country in the European Nordics. Despite the cold and the distance, we hosted multiple events and programs throughout the year to keep driving change and to spread the passion around the globe. Below, you'll find the major events we organize each year. These are the big four that we encourage you to mark on your calendars.

Balloons

The DFGN team sits in Aalto University’s Design Factory, in Finland. Yes, that cold country in the European Nordics. Despite the cold and the distance, we hosted multiple events and programs throughout the year to keep driving change and to spread the passion around the globe. Below, you'll find the major events we organize each year. These are the big four that we encourage you to mark on your calendars.

WorldSync:
The DFGN calendar

IDFW International Design Factory Week

IDFW International Design Factory Week

Annually, DFGN members gather in varying global locations to collaborate, share best practices, and engage with the local host. Organized by the DFGN team and the local institution, this members-only event re-energizes our community and fosters planning for future cooperation

Typically held in September - October
Zoom

DF.Y? Design Factory. Why?

DF.Y? Design Factory. Why?

Held at Aalto Design Factory, this event offers both virtual and onsite training for newcomers eager to immerse themselves in the Design Factory culture and start crafting experimental plans for their own Design Factories. Open to the public, DF.Y is particularly beneficial for those interested in establishing a Design Factory and DFers to re-energize.

05 February - 30 March 2024
Aalto Design Factory, Finland

WDFD World Design Factory Day

WDFD World Design Factory Day

Our annual virtual celebration highlights initiatives from Design Factories worldwide. Open to the public, this event invites all to join, although some sessions may be exclusive to members.

05 May - 20 June 2024
Zoom

DFGN UnBoxed

DFGN UnBoxed

A new pilot event launching in 2024, evolved from previous DFGN research conferences. This non-traditional conference focuses on unboxing themes relevant to DFGN, inviting practitioners, experts, educators, and academics to collaborate. While primarily for members, interested non-members may contact the DFGN team for participation details. This event is very related to the IDFW, hosted in the same week and annual location.

Typically held in September - October
Aalto Design Factory, Finland

DFGN trainings

We also train external institutions by providing them with tools to drive change in their organizations and use their potential and skills to the fullest. One event that is part of our portfolio of trainings is our famous Design Factory. Why? (DF.Y? Also known as ex-DF Bootcamp), a 9-day intensive hands-on experience of the DF concept that provides participant tools to (further) develop an experimentation and innovation platform in their institution. Don’t get scared, it is a combination of 3 gatherings where 2 are online, and 1 is in person, held in Aalto Design Factory in Finland. If you are interested in our DF Y? or in a customized training or program, feel free to reach out and our team will contact you back. Our team loves meeting new people and having virtual coffees!

Need a specific training?

Do you need specific support from DFGN? We’re here to help and eager to hear about your needs. Below, you’ll find examples of customized training we’ve delivered at different institutions.

DF re-boosting and up-keep

Innovation platforms and institutions go through cycles, and every time, they are unavoidable. We help in re-boosting or re-defining the strategy of your design factory and enhancing the team dynamics by providing a customized training program.

Setting up an innovation hub and DF culture

Starting is not easy, and keeping up is not easy either. We help organizations understand how their culture can enable the creation of an innovation platform like a design factory. We support creating an experimentation plan that will help drive change through culture hacking and development.

Start or join a design factory!