Everyday Discoveries in Helsinki and Dublin: How PIVOT Dublin and the Institute of Designers in Ireland Engaged in an Open and Participative Competition as Part of World Design Capital 2012

Design Forum Finland invited the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI) to take part in the International Design House Exhibition as part of World Design Capital Helsinki 2012. The IDI was asked to work with Design Forum Finland and Imu Design in the event that takes place during Helsinki Design Week 2012. In 2010 Dublin City Council formed a group called PIVOT Dublin to bid for World Design Capital 2014. Dublin has been investigating different ways of utilizing design to make changes and drive innovation in the City. PIVOT Dublin provides an ongoing flexible mechanism for design projects, actions and collectives and discussions. Rather than select an Irish Designer and send them to Helsinki with a container of objects, The IDI decided to work with PIVOT Dublin to select a team of designers to represent Ireland in 2012. Imu Design was invited to Dublin to take part in a multi-disciplinary design workshop, which took place during Ireland’s Design Week. The paper will focus on this innovative process of open, participative public service procurement. The methodology and collaborations between the participants, their disciplines and the two cities is analyzed. The process has been rich and the results will be rewarding.