Who We Are
The German Society for Design Theory and Research (DGTF) is a non-profit association dedicated to the discussion, exchange and profiling of design-related topics. The DGTF sets topics, fosters discourse and supports critical thinking about current issues in the discipline. With its events and publications, the DGTF promotes stronger networking among design researchers in the German-speaking and international communities and supports young researchers through Design Promoviert.
What We Do
The Society for Design Theory and Research (DGTF) is committed to advancing the field of design research by actively shaping its scholarly and societal agenda. As a platform for critical inquiry, the DGTF promotes the integration of reflexive and theoretically grounded perspectives into design discourse and practice. It seeks to strengthen the visibility and legitimacy of design research within the broader scientific landscape by advocating for sustained research funding and institutional support.
Through strategic lobbying, interdisciplinary collaboration, and an ongoing engagement with pressing societal challenges, the DGTF fosters a vibrant research culture. It connects researchers, educators, and practitioners across disciplines and institutions, facilitating dialogue on the evolving role of design in contemporary society. By cultivating networks and organising platforms for exchange, the DGTF contributes to the development of design as a socially responsive, critically informed, and future-oriented field of knowledge.