Secrid at Dutch Design Week 2024

Industrial Evolution

Everything is designed. From the clothes you wear to the phone in your pocket and the building you are in. All these products shape our society and impact our ecosystems. Since the Industrial Revolution and the relocation of factories to low-wage countries, mass production of low-price and short lifespan products has become the norm. This development has brought prosperity to some, but also social inequality, depleted raw materials, environmental pollution, declining biodiversity and a climate crisis. The industry cannot be stopped, but it can be changed. Secrid envisions a leading role for designers within that transition. The general guideline is simple: every new product must be better than its predecessors. Secrid calls this Industrial Evolution.

Ever better: sustainability choices and dilemmas

During DDW, the Secrid Talent Podium sheds light on the many different perspectives involved in making better products. Both Secrid and the designers give insights into their step-by-step design processes, conscious choices and sustainability dilemmas. "Sustainable design is not always straightforward; it requires a holistic approach and collaboration with many stakeholders. We want to open up conversations and networks and invite other creatives, companies and industrial partners to help these inspiring innovations forward," says René van Geer, founder of Secrid.

Secrid Talent Podium

In collaboration with our partner Dutch Design Foundation, the following seven designers have been selected for their innovative ideas, holistic approaches and entrepreneurial mindsets. In addition to a podium spot, each designer receives coaching, publicity and a donation of € 7,777: a reference to Secrid’s seven holistic design principles.

Pauline van Dongen | SUNTEX
Power up and cool down with solar textile for canopies, facades and tents

Lotte Douwes | Meaningful Matter
High-quality tableware and interior products from ceramic waste

Boey Wang | Haptics of Cooking
Beautiful and sensory kitchenware for both sighted and visually impaired users

Hedwig Heinsman, Martine de Wit & Hans Vermeulen | Aectual  
3D printed interior solutions made from recycled waste streams  

Milou Voorwinden | Studio Milou Voorwinden
3D weaving techniques for zero-waste clothing and textile production

Huub Looze & Margreet van Uffelen | Omlab
Biocircular and low-emission construction objects that promote biodiversity

Doreen Westphal | Resty & Fungi
HackTasty and nutritious products made of high-quality food waste.

Watch the short films and read the long reads about each talent.