Full Paper Submission Deadline:
September 30, 2025
Notification of Acceptance
November 8, 2025
Camera-Ready Papers:
January 15, 2026
Conference Programme Release:
February 28, 2026
(This call is now closed. We thank all contributors for the excellent submissions received)
New Submission Deadline:
November 15, 2025
Notification of Acceptance
To be announced very soon
Camera-Ready Papers:
To be announced very soon
Early Bird Registration
until November 16, 2025
Regular Registration
until January 16, 2026
Late Registration
until February 16, 2026
DESIGN COMMIT 2026 invites researchers, professionals and students to submit full, peer-reviewed papers that explore how design can respond to the complexity of today’s world by learning from natural systems and regenerative practices.
This is a transdisciplinary platform for advancing research and innovation that supports sustainability, inclusion, circularity and well-being.
All accepted papers will be published in the official Conference Proceedings (ISBN and DOI). The proceedings from the 2024 edition have been submitted for indexation in the Web of Science – Conference Proceedings Citation Index (CPCI) and are currently under evaluation.
As in the previous edition, the Organising Committee aims to provide high-level editorial opportunities for selected contributions. In 2024, Design Commit led to two major international publications:
> Handbook of Design and Industry: Scenarios for Sustainable Futures (Taylor & Francis | CRC Press)
> A Special Issue in The Design Journal (Taylor & Francis)
We are actively working to secure similar editorial opportunities for DESIGN COMMIT 2026 participants.
The DESIGN COMMIT 2024 offers recent master’s degree graduates and Ph.D. students a dedicated discussion and networking session, to be held during the conference, which is an opportunity for emerging practitioners and researchers to discuss their work and receive feedback from peers and senior researchers. We encourage all recent doctoral candidates and master’s degree graduates with a project relating to the DESIGN COMMIT 2024 main thematic areas, who have a clear idea of their thesis’ focus and study design to apply and submit a full or short paper, that includes how their research addresses the conference theme.
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DESIGN COMMIT 2026 is pleased to announce the Special Call – Design Commit Green Capital Challenge 2026, launched within the framework of our partnership with the European Green Capital 2026.
This collaboration represents a shared commitment to advancing sustainability, innovation, and dialogue between design, industry, and nature, at a time when environmental and social challenges call for collective and transdisciplinary responses.
Aligned with the conference theme “Design for Different Futures | Learning with Nature” and its main tracks, this special call is distinguished by five complementary moments, each with its own identity, inviting international contributions from researchers, designers, companies, communities, and policymakers.
Climate change, biodiversity loss, and the global ecological crisis are no longer future projections; they are present realities that affect economies, ecosystems, and ways of life.
In this scenario, design, understood as a cultural, social, and technological practice, has the responsibility to act as a force of anticipation, regeneration, and transformation.
The Special Call – Green Capital Challenge 2026 emerges as an opportunity to gather contributions that address these pressing issues, propose creative solutions, and envision inclusive, resilient, and sustainable futures.
Further details on each of the four moments of this Special Call, including specific schedules, participation criteria, and registration fees, will be announced very soon on the official website and through the conference’s communication channels.
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“The Special Call – Green Capital Challenge 2026 and the following thematic moments are designed to expand the main call, offering complementary opportunities for participation under the shared theme ‘Design for Different Futures | Learning with Nature.’ Each moment follows the same submission structure and publication framework, while addressing specific modes of collaboration and practice.”
Papers and projects addressing sustainability and regeneration, aligned with the agenda of the European Green Capital 2026.
Same formats and publishing opportunities as the main call.
See the submission guidelines below.
DESIGN COMMIT 2026 opens a Special Call – Green Capital Challenge 2026, created within the framework of the European Green Capital 2026, to highlight projects and research addressing the transition towards sustainable, regenerative and nature-based futures.
This Special Call follows the same structure, templates, and registration fees as the main call. Selected contributions will be featured in dedicated sessions focused on sustainability, innovation and the dialogue between design, industry and nature.
Submissions may address any of the five thematic areas of the conference:
ECHOES, LISTEN, NURTURE, REGENERATION, and SYSTEMIC.
No new thematic tracks are created; instead, selected works will integrate Special Sessions connected to the Green Capital Challenge.
Researchers, designers, companies, institutions, and policymakers developing projects that contribute to sustainable transformation and ecological regeneration.
· Type: Full paper (8–12 pages) or Short paper (4–6 pages) – same format and template as the main call.
· Platform: EasyChair – DESIGN COMMIT 2026
· Thematic Area: choose one of the five conference areas (ECHOES, LISTEN, NURTURE, REGENERATION, SYSTEMIC).
· Identification: in the Remarks/Keywords field, write
→ “Special Call – Green Capital Challenge 2026”
(this ensures your paper is considered within the Green Capital sessions).
All submissions undergo double-blind peer review, evaluated for relevance, originality, methodological consistency, and contribution to sustainable design practices.
Accepted papers must be presented in person at the conference to be included in the official proceedings.
Accepted contributions will be included in Special Sessions dedicated to the Green Capital Challenge 2026, integrated within the scientific programme of DESIGN COMMIT 2026.
Accepted Full and Short papers will be published in the official DESIGN COMMIT 2026 Conference Proceedings (ISBN + DOI).
Selected high-quality contributions may later be considered for extended publication in international editorial projects and special issues associated with the conference.
These are not new thematic areas, but optional transversal focuses that can help authors position their work within the five existing conference tracks — ECHOES, LISTEN, NURTURE, REGENERATION, and SYSTEMIC.
They are meant to guide and inspire submissions connected to the Green Capital Challenge 2026 framework, showcasing projects that integrate environmental, social, cultural, and systemic dimensions of design.
Authors may choose to align their papers with one or more of the examples below, or propose other relevant focuses that resonate with the conference’s theme “Design for Different Futures | Learning with Nature.”
1. Design for Biodiversity and Urban Nature
Exploring how design can support biodiversity, nature-based solutions, and the integration of natural systems in built environments.
2. Circular Materials and Local Production
Investigating new materials, sustainable production models, and regional value chains that promote circular economies.
3. Design for Social and Ecological Wellbeing
Addressing the interconnection between human wellbeing, community resilience, and ecological health.
4. Climate Adaptation and Regenerative Futures
Proposing strategies and design frameworks that anticipate climate challenges and foster regenerative transformation.
These examples are indicative only, authors are encouraged to present other challenges, perspectives, or emerging themes aligned with sustainability, innovation, and the intelligence of nature.
A collaborative space for laboratories, research units, and academic or industry-based groups to present their identity, projects, and methodologies, while opening dialogue with other researchers and institutions.
Same formats and publishing opportunities as the main call.
Submissions may take the form of Full papers (8–12 pages) or Short papers (4–6 pages) — using the same format and template as the main call — presenting institutional projects, work-in-progress, prototypes, or network-based initiatives.
See the submission guidelines below.
· Possibility to propose a Satellite Session coordinated by the group — a special session where other participants can join the discussion around shared research interests, collaborative practices, or emerging topics.
The goal is to provide institutional visibility and to foster international academic collaboration through shared learning, experimentation, and cross-institutional dialogue.
The Institutional Labs & Research Groups Showcase highlights collective and experimental research practices developed within universities, laboratories, or collaborative networks.
This moment of the conference celebrates collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and experimentation, inviting groups to share methodologies, prototypes, and learning experiences that explore the conference theme Learning with Nature.
Following the same structure, templates, and registration fees as the main call, this showcase offers a format especially suited to institutional presentations, ongoing research projects, and collaborative initiatives.
It also provides an opportunity for laboratories to connect with other researchers and institutions through special sessions curated by the groups themselves.
· University research centres and laboratories
· Independent or cross-institutional research groups
· Design-driven projects in collaboration with industry, NGOs, or public entities
· Networks or collectives exploring design through experimentation and co-creation
The aim is to give visibility to diverse institutional perspectives and foster international academic collaboration through shared learning and open dialogue.
· Type: Full paper (8–12 pages) or Short paper (4–6 pages) — using the same format and template as the main call, presenting institutional work, methodologies, prototypes, or network-based projects.
· Platform: EasyChair – DESIGN COMMIT 2026
· Thematic Area: choose one of the five official conference areas — ECHOES, LISTEN, NURTURE, REGENERATION, SYSTEMIC.
· Identification: in the Remarks/Keywords field, write
→ “Special Call – Institutional Labs & Research Groups Showcase.”
(this ensures your paper is reviewed and scheduled within the Labs & Groups sessions).
All submissions undergo double-blind peer review, evaluated for relevance, originality, methodological clarity, and potential for collaboration or scalability.
Accepted papers must have at least one registered author for inclusion in the official proceedings.
Accepted contributions will be presented in hybrid sessions (in-person and online participation allowed) within the scientific programme of DESIGN COMMIT 2026.
Each paper must have at least one registered author to ensure its inclusion in the official proceedings.
This Special Call is designed to give visibility to laboratories and research groups, allowing them to present their identity, projects, and collaborative practices.
In addition to paper presentations, groups are invited to propose Satellite Sessions — special sessions coordinated by the group itself, focused on a particular research topic, methodology, or experimental field.
These sessions provide an opportunity to:
· present ongoing work collectively,
· invite other researchers who share similar interests or complementary perspectives, and
· create spaces for discussion and collaboration around shared themes.
Such sessions may take the form of panel discussions, demonstrations, showcases, or open lab dialogues, depending on the nature of the proposal.
All proposals will be reviewed and curated by the Organising Committee, ensuring alignment with the conference theme Learning with Nature and the overall programme structure.
The goal is to provide an institutional stage for collaboration, where labs and groups can both present their research and connect with new partners through shared methodologies and thematic affinities.
In addition to paper submissions, laboratories and research groups may propose Satellite Sessions — special sessions coordinated by the group, designed to open dialogue around specific research themes or experimental practices.
These sessions aim to showcase collective projects, foster cross-institutional collaboration, and invite broader participation from the conference community.
Proposals must be sent directly to the Organising Committee at [geral@designcommit.pt], with the subject line:
→ “Satellite Session Proposal – DESIGN COMMIT 2026 | [Name of Group or Laboratory]”
Each proposal should include:
1. Title of the Session (max. 15 words)
2. Coordinating Laboratory or Research Group (institution, country, website if available)
3. Session Chair(s) (name, position, email contact)
4. Abstract of the Session (max. 250 words) — describing its focus, objectives, and relevance to the conference theme Learning with Nature
5. Target participants and outreach plan — a short description of how the group intends to engage other participants, collaborators.
(Each coordinating group is responsible for identifying and inviting contributors, and for promoting its own session within its academic or professional network.)
6. Format of the session (panel discussion, demonstration, workshop, exhibition, open lab dialogue, etc.)
7. Technical or space requirements (if applicable)
All proposals will be reviewed and curated by the Organising Committee, based on:
· Relevance to the conference theme Learning with Nature
· Potential for collaboration and audience engagement
· Clarity and feasibility of the proposed format
Accepted sessions will be included in the official conference programme as part of the Institutional Labs & Research Groups Showcase, with hybrid presentation options (in-person and online).
Accepted Full and Short papers will be published in the official DESIGN COMMIT 2026 Conference Proceedings (ISBN + DOI).
Selected high-quality contributions may later be considered for extended publication in international editorial projects and special issues associated with the conference.
A space dedicated to co-creation practices developed with local and regional communities, exploring participatory methods, inclusive design processes, and socially engaged innovation.
Same formats and publishing opportunities as the main call.
This Special Call values projects and research that emerge from collaboration with citizens, associations, NGOs, or local collectives, focusing on real-world applications and social transformation through design.
See the submission guidelines below.
Design with Communities invites contributions that demonstrate how design can act as a facilitator of dialogue, participation, and collective transformation.
This moment of the conference welcomes projects co-created with communities, using participatory design, service design, or social innovation methodologies to address issues such as inclusion, sustainability, education, or resilience.
Submissions may include research papers, applied case studies, or community-based projects developed in partnership with local stakeholders.
Research centres, universities, NGOs, and independent practitioners are encouraged to collaborate, but the emphasis must remain on community-driven processes and shared authorship.
The goal is to generate practical and transformative outcomes, co-created with people and communities directly involved in the design process.
· Researchers, designers, and educators working in participatory or community-based design
· NGOs, civic associations, and local collectives engaged in co-creation projects
· Municipal or regional initiatives promoting social inclusion, health, and sustainable development
· Cross-sector partnerships involving academia, public administration, and citizens
This Special Call aims to highlight design’s role as a catalyst for collective intelligence and local empowerment.
Type:
· Full paper (8–12 pages) — academic or applied research with methodological depth and analytical discussion.
· Short paper (4–6 pages) — descriptive or exploratory studies of participatory practices or ongoing initiatives.
· Project brief or visual documentation (2–4 pages) — community-based design projects, co-creation initiatives, or case studies presented in a concise, practice-oriented format.
(All submissions must follow the official DESIGN COMMIT 2026 template. Project briefs may include images, diagrams, or visual narratives.)
· Platform: EasyChair – DESIGN COMMIT 2026
· Thematic Area: choose one of the five official conference areas — ECHOES, LISTEN, NURTURE, REGENERATION, SYSTEMIC.
· Identification: in the Remarks/Keywords field, write
→ “Special Call – Design with Communities.”
(this ensures your submission is reviewed and scheduled within the community sessions).
All submissions will undergo double-blind peer review, assessed for:
· relevance and originality,
· methodological clarity,
· ethical engagement with communities, and
· contribution to social innovation and collective wellbeing.
Accepted papers must have at least one registered author to be included in the conference proceedings.
Accepted contributions will be presented in dedicated sessions and open discussions within the Design with Communities programme.
These sessions may include interactive formats such as dialogues with community representatives, participatory demonstrations, or storytelling approaches highlighting local perspectives.
Hybrid participation (in-person or online) is allowed, ensuring accessibility and inclusion.
The Organising Committee will curate and schedule all accepted works to maintain thematic coherence and diversity of approaches.
Accepted Full and Short papers will be published in the official DESIGN COMMIT 2026 Conference Proceedings (ISBN + DOI).
Selected high-quality contributions may later be considered for extended publication in international editorial projects and special issues associated with the conference.
An international platform designed to amplify the voices of emerging researchers, PhD candidates, and recent graduates, providing space for innovative ideas, early-stage research, and experimental visions in design.
Same evaluation standards and publishing opportunities as the main call, with a more dynamic presentation format.
The Emerging Voices – Flash Talks programme seeks to encourage renewal, diversity, and dialogue across generations, celebrating the vitality of new research directions in design, sustainability, and interdisciplinary practice.
See the submission guidelines below.
This call aims to support young academics and early-career professionals in sharing their research in progress, conceptual explorations, or design experiments.
It values originality, creativity, and clarity of thought rather than the completion of research cycles.
Submissions may include theoretical reflections, case studies, or project-based research that demonstrate emerging contributions to design knowledge, education, or industry practice.
Each selected contribution will be presented as a Flash Talk (5–7 minutes) during the conference, followed by short discussions to promote networking and constructive feedback.
The format is designed to be fast-paced, inspiring, and conversational, ensuring that participants can connect, exchange, and build future collaborations.
· PhD candidates and master’s students presenting early-stage research or theoretical work
· Recent graduates and young professionals showcasing design-led innovation or speculative projects
· Researchers under 35 exploring new approaches to design, sustainability, or social transformation
The goal is to amplify new voices in design research and to build bridges between generations and disciplines.
· Type: Extended abstract (2–3 pages) or Short paper (4–6 pages) — same template as the main call. Submissions may include visual elements illustrating concepts, methodologies, or project results.
· Platform: EasyChair – DESIGN COMMIT 2026
· Thematic Area: choose one of the five official conference areas — ECHOES, LISTEN, NURTURE, REGENERATION, SYSTEMIC.
· Identification: in the Remarks/Keywords field, write
→ “Special Call – Emerging Voices.”
(this ensures your submission is reviewed and scheduled within the Flash Talks sessions).
All submissions will be peer-reviewed with attention to:
· originality and relevance of ideas,
· clarity and quality of presentation,
· potential contribution to the field of design research and practice.
Accepted authors must register and present in person, to be included in the conference proceedings.
Selected contributions will be presented in Flash Talk sessions, combining short presentations, Q&A moments, and open discussions moderated by experienced researchers.
Each talk lasts 5–7 minutes, followed by brief peer feedback to encourage exchange and mentorship.
The sessions are conceived as learning and networking spaces, stimulating collaboration between early-career researchers, educators, and design practitioners.
Accepted Extended Abstracts and Short Papers will be published in the official DESIGN COMMIT 2026 Conference Proceedings (ISBN + DOI).
Outstanding contributions may be invited for extended publication in international editorial projects and special issues associated with the conference.
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Submitted papers must meet the following rules:
– Full papers: 8 to 12 pages, including title, abstract, keywords, main body, images, and bibliographical references (references are included in the page limit).
– Short papers: 4 to 6 pages, including title, abstract, keywords, main body, images, and bibliographical references (references are included in the page limit).
– Papers must address one of the conference topics and present complete studies or theoretical findings
– Submissions should demonstrate high academic scholarship, clearly articulating the research focus, context, methodology, findings, and contribution to the field.
– Papers must be written in English and follow the APA publication style for in-text citations and references.
– Formatting must follow the provided template.
– All submissions must be anonymous for double-blind peer review. Authors must remove their names and institutional references before submission.
– Each author may submit a maximum of two papers as the lead author.
– Submissions must be made through the EasyChair submission system.
– Accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings, provided that at least one author registers, attends, and presents at the conference.
– Papers that are not presented will be excluded from the proceedings.
– All submitted and accepted papers may also be considered for possible selection and further publication (extended version) in journals or books associated with the conference.
– After the review period, authors will be notified of acceptance or rejection via email.
Submitted papers will be reviewed on a double blinded peer-review process. Only original contributions will be accepted.
Authors should write and present their reports in English while following the APA publication style for reference lists. Files should be submitted following the template. After the review period, we will notify all authors of acceptance or rejection via email. We will invite accepted authors to publish their contribution in the conference proceedings.
Full paper submissions that are not presented at the conference will be excluded from the official proceedings. To be included in the proceedings, at least one of the authors should register, attend, and present their papers at the conference.
Following the successful editorial outcome of Design Commit 2024, we are pleased to highlight the publishing achievements from the last edition:
a. The Book of Abstracts was published with DOI and ISBN and is available here.
b. The Book of Proceedings, published by the University of Aveiro Press, was published with DOI and ISBN and is available here. It is also indexed in the Web of Science – Conference Proceedings Citation Index (CPCI).
c. The Taylor & Francis book, Design and Industry: Scenarios for Sustainable Futures, featuring 25 selected chapters from high-scoring conference papers. It’s available for pre-order: View on Routledge Website
d. The Special Issue Call in The Design Journal (Taylor & Francis), which provided an opportunity for authors to submit extended versions of their work, is currently under review. We will share updates with the community as soon as possible.
Building on the well-established editorial standards of previous editions, we are pleased to confirm that Design Commit 2026 will offer the following publishing opportunities:
a. Conference Proceedings – All accepted papers will be published in the official Conference Proceedings, certified with ISBN and DOI.
We will soon announce additional publishing opportunities with Taylor & Francis, including:
a. Taylor & Francis Book – A selection of high-quality full papers will be invited for publication as chapters in a Taylor & Francis book.
b. Special Issue in The Design Journal – A Call for Papers will be launched in The Design Journal (Taylor & Francis), indexed in Scopus and Web of Science (AHCI).
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Where inspiration echoes through the patterns of life.
Areas_biomimicry, bio-design, natural forms, design theory, epistemology
This track listens to the murmurs of nature’s wisdom and invites us to echo them in our creative practices. From the spiral of a shell to the memory of a forest, ECHOES explores how natural forms, behaviours and principles can inspire design processes that resonate with both ancestral knowledge and future innovation. It is a space to reflect on why we turn to nature, and how that encounter transforms what and how we design.
To design is first to listen — to rivers, winds, and unseen patterns.
Areas_environmental data, eco-feedback, data-driven design, adaptive systems
Before we act, we must observe. LISTEN is a call to attune ourselves to the silent intelligence of ecosystems, to read landscapes like texts and to decode the signals of the living world. This track values design that begins with listening, through data, observation, immersion, or contemplation, guiding processes that respond with sensitivity and respect to natural rhythms and complexity.
Design as care. Growth as reciprocity. Making as healing.
Areas_sustainable materials, permaculture, eco-products, circular economy
NURTURE embraces design as a regenerative gesture—one that cultivates instead of extracts, that nourishes instead of consumes. Rooted in permaculture, circular practices, and eco-ethics, this track explores how we can design with the patience of a gardener, with the humility of a steward, and with the awareness that every material choice is also a moral one.
To restore is to imagine again. To heal is also to design.
Areas_urban renewal, social design, community-led design, restoration projects
Beyond sustainability lies the promise of renewal. REGENERATION celebrates design as a force that can restore ecosystems, repair social fabrics, and re-enchant places wounded by extraction or neglect. This track honours the power of design to bring life back—to land, to community, to future possibility and asks how we might co-create spaces of care, resilience, and shared belonging.
All things are connected. Design is a thread in the web.
Areas_systems thinking, cross-scale design, integration, ecosystem-level design
SYSTEMIC invites us to zoom out—to see design as part of greater networks, flows and feedback loops. From micro to macro, from matter to meaning, this track embraces complexity and seeks integration across disciplines, actors and scales. It’s a space to explore design as choreography, as ecology, as a practice of linking what was once seen as separate.
DESIGN COMMIT 2026 welcomes hybrid or cross-cutting proposals that span multiple thematic areas. If your work intersects two or more thematic areas or explores the broader integration of design, nature and industry, please select the ‘Cross-cutting’ option during submission. You may also indicate relevant keywords to help us assign the most suitable reviewers.
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The editorial team of the Design Commit International Conference is committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and preventing any form of malpractice. All authors, editors, and reviewers involved in the publication process are expected to follow the principles outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
> All submissions are subject to double-blind peer-review by at least two independent reviewers.
> The editorial team ensures the originality of contributions and uses plagiarism detection tools.
> In cases of plagiarism, fraudulent data, or unethical behavior, the submission will be rejected or retracted.
> Authors are responsible for the accuracy and integrity of their work.
> Reviewers must declare conflicts of interest and respect the confidentiality of the review process.
> Editors make decisions based solely on academic merit and conference relevance.
The conference proceedings are published by UA Editora – University of Aveiro and are made available in open access via the institutional repository of the University of Aveiro (RIA-UA).
No publication or submission fees are charged to authors. The publication is fully funded by institutional support. No advertising is accepted, and revenue is not derived from commercial promotion.
Archiving and long-term preservation of the conference proceedings are ensured through the digital infrastructure of RIA-UA, which follows institutional backup and digital preservation policies.
This publication fully adheres to the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing as defined by COPE, DOAJ, OASPA, and WAME.
Clarification regarding conference and publication fees:
Authors who presented at the Design Commit 2024 conference paid a registration fee to attend the event, as is standard practice for academic conferences. However, no separate fees were charged for submission or publication of full papers in the proceedings.
The publication of the Design Commit 2024 Book of Proceedings was entirely supported by institutional funding and editorial volunteer work. Authors did not pay any article processing charges (APCs), submission fees, or publication fees.