SocialDesignSite is happy to announce that it has created our community platform on Ning . This platform was created in response to the valuable feedback of our participating projects. Through this platform we seek to offer a convenient and lively communication environment, enhance connections between the members of our community and provide opportunities for sharing, participation and collaboration.
Here you can share any kind of information, network with the people you like, provide content, engage in discussions, join and create groups.
Feel free to get the most out of this platform – it is here for you to use!
We hope that this platform will bring you enjoyable and useful experiences.

SocialDesignSite was presented at the exhibition DREAM FOR A CAUSE - Social Design between Utopia and Reality from November 4 until December 12, 2009 in Vienna. The event was also the occasion to run a SoYouKnow workshop facilitated by Suk-Han Tang and Glória Costa on November 12, 2009. It invited participants to reflect on social design and focused on the practical issues for a successful social design project. For more information concerning the exhibition please visit this link .

SocialDesignSite  is proud to announce that it has conducted two first SoYouKnow events. The first SoYouKnow took place on October 9, 2009 at the Young Crew Workshop in Berlin for young professionals and students in the field of project management. It lasted for three hours and received warm acceptance of the participants. The second SoYouKnow workshop was conducted on October 16, 2009 in Witzenhausen at the “Global Thinking – Local Responsibility” conference for the students of food business. The event was again welcomed by the audience.

SoYouKnow, standing for Socialize Your Knowledge, is an interactive and playful workshop format. During the event the participants have the opportunity to share knowledge, communicate on the topic of soft skills in project management and network with each other. The friendly atmosphere of SoYouKnow creates not only meaningful knowledge exchange, but also ground for dynamic and enjoyable learning. SocialDesignSite team will continue working on the SoYouKnow format. The next workshop will follow on November 13, 2009 in Vienna.

AUGUST 5, 2009, POTSDAM, GERMANY

SocialDesignSite attended the UndJetzt?! (And Now?!) Conference, which took place from August 3 to 8, 2009 in Potsdam. Over 150 socially active individuals, former volunteers in projects in third world countries, spent a week exploring the challenges and opportunities of social and voluntary work. Four members of the SocialDesignSite team attended workshops on Fundraising and Web 2.0 tools, aggregating useful knowledge for the development of the project and sharing practical insights from the social design experience. On August 6th, SocialDesignSite held a presentation in Pecha Kucha format introducing the project to the public. The presentation was warmly received by the audience and as a result of the conference, the project started several new ventures with cooperation partners, thus giving concrete answers to the main question of the conference.

SocialDesignSite is proud to announce that it will be conducting an event for the Young Crew Workshop 2009 . The workshop will take place on October 9, 2009 in Berlin. It is organised by the young fraction of the German Project Management Association – Young Crew , which consists of young project managers working voluntarily to disseminate knowledge and best practices in the field.
Our event, called SoYouKnow, is an interactive workshop, aimed at discovering, sharing, shaping and improving people’s knowledge. SoYouKnow stands for “Socialize Your Knowledge” – a motto emphasizing the importance of sharing what you know with other people. Two main streams of knowledge distribution are used: learning by sharing and learning by doing. Learning by sharing consists of real time peer-to-peer learning, when people teach each other and thus enhance their knowledge. Learning by doing aims to brush up knowledge through applying it to real-life challenges. For this goal methods of case studies and role plays are used.
Allowing not only to assemble, but also to co-create knowledge, SoYouKnow pursues the goal of shaping a dynamic and vibrant learning environment. It takes knowledge experiences to a new level and strives for excellence in learning, sharing and doing.
For more information, please visit www.youngcrew.de

>> Read more

 

Silke Astrid Eisenbeiß

Silke holds a PhD in politics and strategic management from the University of Konstanz and the Erasmus University Rotterdam and a Master in organizational psychology from the University of Mannheim. Her work experience includes the United Nations Headquarter in New York, the German Parliament, strategic management consultancies in China and Germany as well as a development agency in South Africa. Due to her dedication to development and her passion for social design she volunteers for the SocialDesignSite.

Violetta Pleshakova

Violetta Pleshakova studied Public Administration and Political Science at Moscow State M.V. Lomonosov University. She continued her education in Germany, at Erfurt School of Public Policy. During her master studies she was focusing on the issues of social change and social impact of the Internet. Her current research interests include social collaboration, social design and cultural dynamics. She joined Systemic Excellence Group as an intern in July 2009 and is part of SocialDesignSite team.

 

 

Estuardo Calderón Scheel

Estuardo Calderón Scheel studied international business with a major in regional studies of Latin America in Germany and Brazil. But he´s always wanted to be a designer! Social Design Site has given him the opportunity to combine his passion of social awareness with having a better designed world. He´s currently doing research on project management and intercultural complexity, this having been the story of his life because of his international background, being born in Guatemala, but feeling at home in Berlin.

 

WORLD DAY OF INTERCONNECTEDNESS

The Vision

A deep sense of interconnectedness, or oneness, is at the core of decisions and actions that are life affirming and good for the whole. In other words, it will bring forth an environmentally sustainable, fulfilling and socially just human presence.

The omni present invisible field of electric and magnetic energy connects us all.
Energy follows thoughts and feelings. What we focus on is what we manifest and attract. These are the universal laws of manifestation and attraction. Proven by quantum science.

By organising a global 24 hour event with a focus and concentration on celebrating interconnectedness, we manifest and attract more of what we want on a global scale: a greater sense of interconnectedness as a foundation for a world that works for all life.

A shift from separation to oneness, a shift from Illness to WEllness.

9 September 2009
The Day

On 090909 in every country at 9 AM in every time zone (starting in New Zealand), all people who are aware of interconnectedness and who are committed to translate that awareness into action are invited to practice interconnectedness as much as possible throughout that day.

Go to Scheduled Events

The Invitation

090909 is a celebration of interconnectedness.

In addition to consciously practice interconnectedness throughout the day we kindly invite you to:

- become a host of your own interconnectedness event on 090909 and let us know. We will put it on this website for inspiration to other (potential) hosts. This will reinforce and empower the experience. We are in this together!
- announce the World Day of Interconnectedness on your website
- tell a friend
- join the World Day of Interconnectedness group on WiserEarth
- send an invitation to all presidents, (prime) ministers, secular and religious leaders of all countries

July 2-4-2009

Design Activism encompasses a wide range of real-life, socially and environmentally engaged actions. It includes processes that innovate forms of creative practice, providing models by which designers might work, or challenge existing conventions of design knowledge.

 

EXHIBITION: ENGAGE

Engage is intended as a national showcase for design students and graduates whose work is focused on activism, social change and/or environmental benefit.

Graduate design exhibitions such as London’s ‘New Designers’ tend to be dominated by more mainstream and commercially-orientated work. ‘Engage’ provides an alternative space for student and graduate design activists who are concerned with confronting the multitude of pressing, real-world issues that face us locally and globally.

Work included in the exhibition may come from disciplines such as product, furniture, fashion, service and urban design, appropriate technology, co-design, participatory practice, architecture, landscape architecture, digital media, graphic design and visual communications.

The exhibition space can cater for conventional shows with presentation boards and plinths. Also, there is some video projection material available.

If you would like to propose a project of yours to be included in this event, please send an outline of the work to be exhibited to the organiser Anne Schiffer (a.schiffer@leedsmet.ac.uk) by by Friday 5 June.

Proposal format: outline 200-400 words with images.

Thursday 2 July,
1830-2000 opening,
Friday 3 July,
Saturday 4 July,
1100-1700

Leeds Metropolitan Uni.
Old Broadcasting House,
148 Woodhouse Lane,
Leeds LS2 9EN, UK


PRACTITIONER CONFERENCE

The practitioner conference is devised to give voice to designers, artists, architects, students, performers, activists, observers and users of socially and/or environmentally committed creative practices.

The key aim of the event is to encourage the exchange of experiences and knowledge between practitioners of design activism. In particular, it is expected that this conference will facilitate the sharing of knowledge and understanding of practical engagement in design activism.

Rather than a traditional conference format of lecture theatre/ powerpoint/ speaker/ questions etc., this event is imagined more like a trade fair colliding with a participative symposium. The design ‘disciplines’ included in this event are interpreted broadly. Participants might be involved in academic, professional or voluntary practice in one or more of the following sectors: Architecture; design research; digital media; community activism; development work; interdisciplinary creative practice; landscape architecture; service and product design; urban design; visual arts; visual communications.

Presentations that share insights into practical experience of ‘design activist’ type activities are invited. Since this is a powerpoint-free practitioner conference, presentations are to be supported by: Instant exhibitions; posters; screenings; or other support.

The venue will be specially fitted out with exhibition, screening and presentation areas so that participants can move through the event, engaging with presenters according to a timetabled structure. Presentations will be 15 mins while support material will remain on show throughout the day. Proposals for presentations should be sent to the conference organiser, Anne Schiffer (a.schiffer@leedsmet.ac.uk) by Friday 5 June. Format: outline 200-400 words and images where necessary.

Friday 3 July,
1000-1700
The Leeds School of Architecture, Landscape and Design
Hepworth Point
Claypit Lane
Leeds LS2 8BQ, UK

Conference fees:
Presenter: £20
Other: £30
Student, OAP, benefit: £15
Includes conference pack,
lunch and refreshments.

Further information:
a.schiffer@leedsmet.ac.uk
www.designactivism.org
 

O.K. Periodicals is an internationally acclaimed publication aiming to inspire. Previous issues are O.K. Collections and O.K. Failure. So, what's next?

Deadline: Wednesday June 17, 2009
Theme: Repeat

REPEAT!
Sometimes it seems we are running around in circles. Sometimes things are better second time around. Repetition can be agonizing and hypnotic. In fashion, music, art and economy there seem to be recurring trends.

Evolution is based on tiny variations in infinitely repeated loops. Robots replace people because of their fast repeating movements. Patterns from nature inspire designers. In which way is repetition influencing you?

Next to a selection of top visual and theoretical creatives we invite YOU to contribute to the magazine. Send us your visuals, short stories, compositions or even videos and interactive projects. The most interesting submissions will be published in O.K. Repeat.

Create and inspire!
Invite your friends to collaborate.
Send submissions to: info@ok-parking.nl

O.K. Periodicals is an independently published, non-profit publication. We regret not being able to reward your creative contributions, but hope that you share our enthusiasm.

If you have any question send an e-mail to:
info@ok-parking.nl

We believe in co-creating a viable vision for the SocialDesignSite and for this purpose we involved everyone and called for participation. We as the SocialDesignSite had a vision, and we shared it with you. We would like to thank you for all the feedback we received and for those who shared their visions with us. We received suggestions for projects that are changing the world and we invited them to join the SocialDesingSite.

Our next steps will be to contact everyone who submitted feedback and ideas personally. We want to brainstorm and try to implement the changes and feedback we received. Our promise to the community was to follow a transparent approach, because the SocialDesignSite is there to serve the community and change the world together with the social design community. As outlined in our vision we publish the feedback here for you to read. Meanwhile, please feel free to contact us and submit any comment or feedback to Vision@SocialDesignSite.com

>> Download Visions

We Are What We Do launches their book for other countries in their native languages!

Change the World for Ten Bucks is out now and available in all good book stores in USA and they are glad that there are tons of activities in America to promote the book’s launch.
They’re launched in Spain also – in Spanish and Catalan. Vamos a Cambiar el Mundo and Podem Canviar El Món are now available in all good book shops!

In February they also celebrated a brilliant first year for the We Are What We Do’s Young Speakers' Programme


Recently, We Are What We Do collected the little things that you’re doing everyday and which are making a big difference in the world: The best of the ripples.

If you want to know more about the team, they present themselves here: what we all look like.

You can check out their updated products page and read all their news on the We Are What We Do Blog.

www.wearewhatwedo.org

This is an exhibition of the cross-cultural nature of Social Design. You are able to make changes from any place in the world! Every decision you make every day, has consequences on the world around you, and on the worlds of others. In this sense you are a “social designer” of this world.
The video can be viewed in the Creative Media Section on our website.

The Blog On Social Design was recently honored to be among the 100th best blogs for those who want to save the world. This inspiring lineup of blogs is categorized into Environment, Social Action & Human Rights, Inspiration, Philanthropy & Funding, Health Care, Art, Leadership & Business, and general.

Take a look at the full list here.

The world is full of visionaries and people who want to make a difference in the world, and many of those people share their knowledge online through their blogs. Whether you want to change the world through environment, humanitarianism, business, or any other way, there’s a blog out there that can offer you guidance and inspiration. Read on, and you’ll find 100 blogs that can help you change the world.

On the first day of spring, the first day of spring LANDFILL is proud to announce its launching - an annual publication made in collaboration with their friend, the environmental printer, Greg Barber Co. Each issue explores a conceptual approach to its printed components. Issue One: Second Chances explores the ideas of 100% post-consumer papers.

After the interviews, their stories of second chances were printed using non-toxic toner onto paper containing flower seeds and buried throughout New York City.
Brooklyn Photographer Luke Barber-Smith photographed these burials. As the sprouts reach the topsoil, the first lives push through the earth and grow into real wild flowers for the spring.

If you'de like to receive a printed copy, please feel free to contact Brian Ponto or Mohawk Papers . Here's to new beginnings in a hopeful new year, cheers!

www.brianponto.com
www.mohawkpaper.com

 

 

 

 

 

On the 19-20th of February, Dr. Louis Klein and Suk-Han Tang of the Systemic Excellence Group held a workshop in support of the Chongming Eco-Community Project in Shanghai. Initiated by Studio TAO, the project has the objective to revitalize rural villages in China by improving the quality of lifestyle through the environment, communication, local business structures as well as the public and domestic infrastructures.

Social Design: Designing a Better World

This article in IM Magazine refers to different definitions of social design, depending primarily on the context within which it is used. Suk-Han Tang and Joana Bértholo explore different ways that we can create change in this world, and providing examples from the SocialDesignSite. Massive Change is an endeavour which is not about the world of design, but about the design of the world. Another example of changing the world for the better is Design for the Real World, which is a notion of Design for the Third World, and can be traced back to Victor Papenek. Changing the world is hard work, and should be rewarded. The Index Award focuses on design that substantially improves lives for people all over the world, and is currently the largest design award in the world. All of the above mentioned projects, can be found on the SocialDesignSite.com here. This article conveys that every expression of human action, which includes all the different fields and aspects of human life as we know it, and as others might observe it, contributes to the richness of social design. This site is therefore the growing movement for CHANGING the world, and sharing it with each other.
immagazine.sapo.pt/designsocialeng

One of the newest addition to our team, Glória Costa, who studied Communication Design at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the Lisbon University, has created a teaser for the SocialDesignSite.
The video can be viewed in the Creative Media Section on our website.