Twentieth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Twentieth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, 25-27 February 2026 Founded in 2007, the Design Principles & Practices Research Network offers an interdisciplinary forum to explore the meaning and purpose of design. In professional and disciplinary terms, the network traverses a broad sweep to construct a trans-disciplinary dialogue, which encompasses a wide array of design paradigms and practices. We move between theoretical reflection on the nature of design and case studies of design practice, and from research-based perspectives to the experience-based perspectives of design insiders. Our aim is to build an epistemic community where we can make linkages across disciplinary, geographic, and cultural boundaries. As a Research Network, we are defined by our scope and concerns and motivated to build strategies for action framed by our shared themes and tensions. The Twentieth International Conference on Design Principles and Practices calls for research addressing the following annual themes and special focus: 2026 Special Focus—Design Across Time Theme 1: Design Education Theme 2: Design in Society Theme 3: Designed Objects Theme 4: Visual Design Theme 5: Design Management and Professional Practice Theme 6: Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design