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Design Factory Unveils New Publication on Creative Practices

The visual documentary Designing Culture - Perspectives on Creative Practices from Aalto Design Factory Designers explores the essence of what makes Design Factory a unique, design-driven organization and offers insights into the creative practices that drive innovation and learning. “My goal was to shine a light on the often-unseen yet deeply impactful work of the design professionals who help shape the culture and identity of Aalto Design Factory”, states the editor, Design Coordinator Anna Kuukka.
A person holding a 'Designing Culture' magazine with purple and blue hand artwork, against a pink background.

The publication delves into how the Design Factory fosters a culture that empowers creativity, experimentation, and learning within its community of students, staff, and collaborators. Through a series of intimate conversations, design professionals George Atanassov, Valtteri Bade, Shreyasi Kar, Anna Kuukka, Erwin Laiho, Sushant Passi, and Jasmine Xie share their responsibilities, practices, and motivations, showcasing projects that embody the values of the community.

The publication highlights how design is not just a skill but a mindset that permeates everything at the organization. Design Factory's Director, Assistant Professor Tua Björklund emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and the tangible impact of prototyping and making as tools for innovation and collaboration. 'You cannot separate learning from doing in the hands-on learning culture we have – doing fuels the process of learning as well as creates an immediate impact in the outcomes. Our goal is to shape a more sustainable future now, not only to produce insights that may somewhere down the road create an impact', she underscores.

Key themes explored in the publication include facilitating human connection, making sense of the obscure, enabling potential for innovation, creating brand narratives, applying artistic approaches, cultivating inspiration, and continuous learning. This initiative aims to inspire others to embrace design as a way to connect people, understand complexity, and foster collective creativity.

Click to access Designing Culture publication.

 

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