Three Years of Connection, Collaboration, and Growth: The Distributed Design Platform Member Exchange

For the past three years, the Distributed Design Platform Peer-to-Peer Member Exchange has been at the heart of fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and creative synergy across Europe. Through this initiative, Platform members have actively engaged with one another, attending each other’s events, contributing expertise, and co-creating new ideas.

With an impressive 54 exchanges completed during the program’s funding period, the initiative has proven to be a valuable tool in strengthening the Distributed Design Platform community. More than just a logistical exchange, this program has enabled deep and meaningful connections between members, leading to long-term collaborations and innovative new projects.

Why the Member Exchange is Essential for the Platform

1. Strengthening the Community – The program has nurtured relationships among members, creating a strong and connected network.
2. Enhancing Knowledge-Sharing – By participating in exchanges, members have gained invaluable insights into different ways of working, solving challenges, and approaches.
3. Encouraging Cross-Border Collaboration – Exchanges have facilitated cross-European partnerships that extend beyond the program itself, contributing to the broader maker and design ecosystem.
4. Fostering Local Impact with a Global Mindset – Members have taken lessons from their exchanges and applied them in their own local contexts, bringing fresh perspectives to their own organizations.

Building Momentum for Future Opportunities – The program has not only benefited its participants but has also set a precedent for continued European-level collaboration, making a case for further investment in similar initiatives.

A Model for the Future of Creative Exchange

Programs like the Distributed Design Platform Member Exchange align with wider European Commission initiatives, such as Culture Moves Europe, which promote cross-border mobility and cultural collaboration. These kinds of exchanges not only strengthen individual organizations but also contribute to a more interconnected and resilient European creative sector. Ensuring continued funding for such programs is crucial in maintaining the vibrant exchange of ideas that fuels innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in design and making.

Insights and Reflections from Members

Throughout the three years, the program has facilitated inspiring encounters between makerspaces, design centers, and creative hubs across Europe. Here are some reflections from participants on the transformative impact of their exchanges during the last year.

Vincent Guimas at Fab Lab Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

“A breathtaking week that allowed us to take the pulse of an island maker’s life in a landscape as powerful as it is awe-inspiring. During our discussions, we explored the role of prototyping in serving the local community—particularly through an open-source mapping project to track baby puffins during their migration season. This led to deeper questions about the interplay between nature and culture. As makers, how do we reshape our perception of the hierarchy of living beings? Should we rethink nature and culture as a unified community that coexists and organizes itself together? These were some of the thought-provoking discussions that arose during my time in Iceland.”

Joanna Kowolik at Pakhuis de Zwijger and Waag Future Lab, Amsterdam

“It was fascinating to see how Pakhuis de Zwijger approaches complex social challenges with an interdisciplinary perspective. Their work sparked new ideas on how Happylab could expand beyond technological innovation and contribute to social innovation. I was especially inspired by how they apply research findings in practice, testing innovative concepts in real-world contexts.”

Nikos and Espacio Open, Bilbao

“This exchange provided a meaningful dialogue on the maker movement, commons, and the sustainability of creative initiatives. One particularly valuable perspective came from Chris Tsiouris, a visually impaired individual, who explored Bilbao’s urban landscape with his guide dog. His experience highlighted how well the city’s infrastructure supports accessibility—wide sidewalks, well-planned public transport, and a commitment to inclusivity. These reflections emphasized the importance of designing spaces that are not only creative but also universally accessible.”

Therese at MAO (Museum of Architecture and Design, Slovenia)

“The exchange between MAO and DDC was an insightful collaboration that identified synergies between our organizations. It was especially enriching to explore MAO’s expertise in exhibitions, product design, and public engagement strategies. The experience provided a fresh perspective on how we can incorporate sustainability, craftship, and exhibition curation into our future projects. Beyond the professional benefits, this exchange was a great source of inspiration, fueling new ideas that will help shape DDC’s upcoming strategy.”

Looking Ahead

The Distributed Design Platform Peer-to-Peer Member Exchange has been more than just a mobility program—it has been a catalyst for genuine collaboration and long-term impact. With the growing recognition of cultural and creative exchanges at a European level, we hope to see more opportunities for designers, makers, and creatives to connect and co-create across borders.