Last week, BBoBB designers from across the Interreg North Sea Region came together for an inspiring online networking meeting. The event was created to help designers connect with each other, exchange ideas, and explore shared challenges in the rapidly evolving field of biodesign.
The meeting opened with a general plenary session, featuring interactive methods led by our moderators. After this introduction, participants moved into breakout sessions, where smaller groups explored key questions shaping today’s biodesign practices:
- What is your name, and in which country are you based?
- How would you describe yourself as a designer?
- What motivates you most in biodesign?
- Which materials do you work with?
- Material-wise, what is your biggest challenge?
- Can we help solve one another’s problems?
- How often do you experiment with new materials?
- What applications are you working toward?
- Would you like to share or upload your designs?
These conversations revealed a rich variety of perspectives, from designers. Many participants highlighted similar motivations: sustainability, curiosity, innovation, and the desire to align design practice with ecological values.
Across the breakout groups, one theme stood out clearly: the need for collaboration. Designers found that many of their challenges, were shared across borders. This recognition strengthened the sense of community and opened the door for future cooperation.
The meeting ended with a joint wrap-up session. The energy we had made one thing certain: this should not be the last time we meet.
We are happy to share that the group agreed to organise a follow-up session, continuing to build a strong network of biodesigners throughout the region.
A warm thank you to all moderators and participants for your openness, creativity, and contributions.
The recording of the session is available below for those interested in revisiting the discussions.