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CONVERSATIONS

CONVERSATIONS are a dialogical format designed to ignite discussion around emerging, provocative, or boundary-pushing topics in design research. These format sessions bring together a small group of participants in an open, dynamic exchange aimed at generating new insights and perspectives on a specific theme from different and / or complementary perspectives.

Audience engagement is central to CONVERSATIONS, with an emphasis on fostering reflective and generative dialogue. The format creates a space for constructive discussion on issues that may not easily fit within the structure of a traditional scholarly paper. The goal of CONVERSATIONS is to host stimulating and thought-provoking sessions that surface new questions and directions for the design research community. 

EXPLORATIONS

EXPLORATIONS is a new stream to host various and experimental formats introduced for DRS2026. It offers a dedicated space for experimental and hands-on work in design research. EXPLORATIONS tracks invite participants to actively engage with methods, tools, and ideas through direct experience. Formats may include (but are not limited to) workshops, guided activities, prototyping or prompting engineering sessions, labs, pictorials sessions, as well as performative or immersive experiences—provided they are contained within a maximum duration of 90 minutes. This format is intended to showcase bold, boundary-pushing work that may not fit within the conventions of traditional paper submissions. They could be the opportunity to explore new ideas and new design research paths and formats. They reflect the DRS conference’s commitment to plurality and to supporting emerging approaches that challenge established norms of presenting and engaging with design research.

Unlike conventional presentations, EXPLORATIONS emphasize experimentation, participation, and shared inquiry. The goal is to create an environment where participants can test emerging practices, explore complex issues through making and doing, and collectively reflect on the insights generated through the process. By prioritizing active engagement over passive observation, these sessions aim to surface new approaches, question assumptions, and inspire fresh directions for the design research community.