Image by World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026
How design can shape politics, public administration and democracy is the theme of the international closing conference of World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026.
Taking place from 11 to 14 November 2026, the Design Policy Days will be both the highlight and culmination of World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026. Participants are invited to rethink design as a political and social force for change and to put it to the test in practice.
Over four days in Wiesbaden, Offenbach and Frankfurt, stakeholders from politics, public administration, academia, design, business and civil society will discuss what citizen-centred public administration and sustainable cities could look like and how they could work in practice. On the fourth day, the Design Assembly at Frankfurt’s Paulskirche will bring together the international WDC network, regional stakeholders and politicians.
The Design Action Plan Frankfurt RheinMain will be presented there as a roadmap through to 2030, and the WDC title will be formally handed over to Busan, South Korea, for 2028.
The aim of the Design Policy Days is to harness the momentum generated by World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026 to promote democratic and sustainable regional development. Design is to be established as a strategic tool for democratic, sustainable and citizen-centred regional development.
Programme
Wednesday, 11 November | Wiesbaden
When Public Service Is Designed
The opening day explores how design can help create more citizen-centred, sustainable and digitally enabled public services. Through keynote talks and practical workshops, international experts, policymakers and public sector leaders will discuss co-design, participation, AI and digital innovation in public administration.
Thursday, 12 November | Offenbach
When Form Becomes Attitude
Hosted by the Offenbach University of Art and Design, the second day examines design as a political and social force. Keynotes and an international symposium will explore how design influences public space, digital environments and policy debates, highlighting the role of designers in shaping societal change.
Friday, 13 November | Frankfurt am Main
When Design Gets Political
The final day focuses on design as a democratic competence and a driver of societal transformation. Through debates, panel discussions, workshops and international case studies, participants will explore topics including digital sovereignty, state reform and civic engagement, culminating in the presentation of the Hessian State Prize for Universal Design.
The event is free of charge. Tickets are available at the event website (see above).