How do we design for a world defined by uncertainty? On May 4, 2026, the Munich Urban Colab becomes the epicenter of global creative discourse. As the flagship event of Munich Creative Business Week (mcbw), the Design Summit 2026 invites visionaries to explore this year’s evocative theme: “Playground of Possibilities.”

In an era where AI solves problems and global shifts create doubt, design is reclaiming its role as a space for sensual, playful, and courageous experimentation.

Event Overview: mcbw Design Summit 2026

• Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
• Location: Munich Urban Colab, Munich, Germany
• Core Theme: Playground of Possibilities
• Evening Event: Networking, drinks, and snacks starting at 6:00 p.m.

Why Attend the Design Summit 2026?

The Design Summit is not merely a conference; it is a collaborative laboratory. Bringing together designers, researchers, and decision-makers from politics and marketing, the summit fosters an interdisciplinary approach to societal challenges.

Discover World Design Congress 2025

1. From Problem Solving to Meaning Making

As highlighted by summit speaker Roberto Verganti, while AI now excels at technical problem solving, the future of human design lies in “creative meaning making.” The summit explores how design acts as a tool for social, political, and environmental change.

2. A Space for “Productive Stumbling”

The “Playground of Possibilities” represents a shift toward trial and error. It is a venue for:

• Experimentation: Stepping into the unknown to reimagine the future.
• Multiperspectivity: Overcoming digital polarization through diverse design lenses.
• Circular Economy: Embedding sustainability at the core of product development.

Featured Speakers & Thought Leaders

The 2026 lineup features international pioneers who are redefining the boundaries of the creative industry:

Alice Rawsthorn: Design as an Agent of Change

The award-winning critic and author of Design Emergency argues that design is a fundamental tool for ensuring that technological and social shifts affect us positively rather than negatively.

Roberto Verganti: The Future of Human-Centric Innovation

A leading voice from the Stockholm School of Economics, Verganti explores how designers must pivot from traditional problem-solving to creating deep meaning in an AI-driven world.

Marije Vogelzang: The Power of Play in Food Design

The pioneer of food design views “play” as an essential method for creative research. Her work encourages us to stay humble and humane through the sensory experience of food.

Friedrich von Borries: AI and Social Development

A professor at HFBK Hamburg, von Borries uses his platform getminds.ai to demonstrate how AI can open up new creative possibilities and bridge social divides.

Emmi Salonen: Designing for Well-being

Founder of studio Emmi, she introduces “Positive Creativity,” focusing on how design can reduce burnout and enhance human flourishing through “micro-passions.”

Hideaki Ogawa: Art as a Catalyst

The Artistic Director of Ars Electronica questions the purpose of possibility, using art to give future visions a tangible meaning.

Filippo Pagliani: The Intersection of Tradition and Audacity

The co-founder of Park Associati explores the intersection of tradition and innovation, giving form to new futures through a plurality of architectural perspectives.

Jessie Storey: Redefining the Future of Work

As a leader at Steelcase, she explores the intersection of technology, behavior, and space, embedding circular economy principles into product development.

Networking and Dialogue: Shaping the Future Together

The summit concludes with a focus on enduring ideas. By connecting designers with leaders from government agencies and global brands, mcbw creates a network that extends far beyond the Munich Urban Colab.

The day’s discussions will be moderated by Leonhard Nima, an expert in social innovation, and Max Fraser, Editorial Director at Dezeen, ensuring a deep and provocative exploration of every topic.