Season’s greetings
A unique year lies behind us – a year defined by change and uncertainty, yet also by experimentation and exploration. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic many industries required prompt assistance, including the design and creative sector. At the same time, this sector was able to demonstrate its ability to help businesses align with the changed framework of conditions and it showed ways in which design can drive innovation.
The extensive Design helps! digital event program initiated by bayern design in cooperation with renowned partners has made it easier for SMEs to weather the crisis. Diverse digital formats exemplifying best practices in product design and outlining impulses, solutions, strategies, and tools the design industry can offer were presented. Topics included the adaptation of workspaces and business premises to the new regulations regarding distancing and hygiene, the design-based digitization of services and offerings, and the development of new products and ideas for introduction to the market.
bayern design’s website also has been expanded and now includes new content. In the Knowledge tab, visitors are provided with online and multimedia information regarding design-related topics and exhibitions. The content is categorized into five segments: Design and Start-ups, Design helps!, Eco Design, Packaging Design, and Universal Design. In addition to the exhibits presented at the most recent FachPack trade fair, visitors can view videos of interviews with various designers on the occasion of the BrauBeviale trade fair and a comprehensive retrospective of ten years of universal design in Bavaria.
We at bayern design will forever connect 2020 with our grief over the unexpected passing of Dr. Silke Claus, our managing director, in September. Over eleven years Dr. Claus built the center for design competence in Bavaria into a design center of international renown and thus contributed significantly to promoting the design economy in the state.
One of Dr. Claus’ biggest achievements is the development of Munich Creative Business Week (MCBW) into the largest event of its kind in Germany. Although this year’s MCBW had to be cut short due to the pandemic, the event has prospered splendidly. In 2021, the tenth edition of MCBW mainly will be held digitally. Focusing on Shaping futures by Design, MCBW 2021 is poised to continue positioning Bavaria as a top design cluster. We hope to welcome you there – on site or online. The initial agenda is available now at MCBW 2021 program.
We wish you pleasant and restful holidays. May you and your loved ones stay healthy and may the New Year bring us all power and inspiration for designing our future together.