DESIGN FACTORY, BUT WHY?

DF Y? is a unique event where institutions from around the world gather to get insights on how to build or further develop an innovation platform in their local context.

For this year’s edition, we will combine the best of both worlds: an online gathering with an in-person meet up at our headquarters in Espoo, Finland, Europe, Earth.

DF Y? will consist of three meetups in total, where two will be held remotely and one will be on-site. The dates are as follows:

1st Gathering: end of March 2026 (Remote)
The 1st gathering focuses on the foundational principles of Design Factories. It aims to guide participants through introspection and strategic thinking about the necessity and benefits of establishing a Design Factory in their institution.
2nd Gathering: end of April 2026 (Remote)
The 2nd gathering delves into the practicalities of what implementing a Design Factory entails for an institution. It covers the evolution of design factories and provides examples of what current models (DFs) look like today.
3rd Gathering: Mid-May 2026, possibly 13th to 15th of May 2026 (In-person in Finland)
The 3rd gathering is about turning vision into action. It focuses on practical steps to launch a Design Factory, from planning to execution, using examples from existing Design Factories and supporting participants in developing their experimentation plan.

FOR WHOM

This event suits you if you want to build a design factory in your institution. If you are keen to learn about our values and ways of working, then this one is for you.

WHEN AND WHERE

We will have two (2) online gatherings and one (1) possible in-person gathering at Aalto Design Factory in Espoo, Finland.

Gatherings will be in March, April, and May.

“I wish I had failed so I could do it again!”

Bootcamp participant

FAQ

What are the fees, and who should I bring from my university?

The price for the entire program is to be defined. What we know is that is designed for up to 3 participants per institution. We recommend you start by sending at least one person in charge of the day-to-day operations and one who teaches in your institution. If you wish to send more than 3 participants, the price is negotiable. For DFGN members, the fee will be also announced later.

What are we going to do in the Bootcamp?

The program is currently being built as we are gathering insights from the prospective participants. Do expect gatherings full of inspiration provided by experts, reflections and "food for thought", but mainly "food for action".

Are we going to sauna?

Is that even a question? (...)

Who can we expect the participants to be?

Currently, it is too early to say who or from where the other participating institutions might attend. In addition to helping new institutions establish their DF-like activities, existing DFs use the Bootcamp as an induction to the DF ways of working for new individuals joining their communities.