Theme

What happens to design when we stop treating gender as a given?

The things we make are shaped by assumptions about bodies, behaviour, and identity. Often in ways that go unnoticed. Tools, technology, clothing, furniture, public spaces. Every design decision reflects an idea of who the default user is. Some design for gender-neutrality: products built to fit everyone, by fitting no one in particular. But does it make design more inclusive, or does it overlook the differences that are actually there?

In this edition of Speaking of:, we ask what changes when gender is taken out of the equation — and what happens when the design challenge is inherently gendered to begin with. Three speakers, working across fashion, product design, and research, join the conversation from three different angles.

Speaker programme

16:30 – 17:00

Stine Kinch, Creative Strategy Consultant for Baserange & Creative Director at Force of Nature

17:20 – 17:50

Rie Maktabi, Co-Founder at Caramma

18:10 – 18:40

Pinar Kaygan, PhD - Author of “Gendered Design: An Interdisciplinary Framework” & Lecturer at SDU

Host

The symposium will be hosted by Kristina May, host of the “Design Kan” podcast and Executive Brand & Design Strategist at AM Copenhagen. Kristina believes design is never just aesthetics. It's a lever for real change, and she's spent her career picking it apart from just about every angle. We're looking forward to having her guide the conversation through each talk.

All evening

We will serve snacks and free antipasti.
Nature wine, beer and other drinks will be available in our price-friendly bar.
In-house DJ to set the atmosphere.

RSVP

Limited seats, so make sure to secure your spot by registering below.
Looking forward to see you!

RSVP – It's free

SPEAKING OF: SYMPOSIUMS
2024 – Ongoing

Speaking of: is maker's recurring design symposium in Copenhagen, exploring questions within design, sustainability, or community. Since launching in 2024, the series has brought together leading voices from academia and industry for focused conversations on the issues shaping how we design or create.

Each edition looks at the different views of practitioner, industry and research, opening up new perspectives on the role design plays in shaping the world around us.

Join to hear new ideas, meet the people behind them, and take part in conversations that challenge and expand your own thinking. Whether you come curious, critical, or creative, Speaking of: is a space to reflect, connect, and be inspired alongside others working at the edge of design.

Upcoming symposiums

Past symposiums

Past editions of Speaking of: have explored themes including Design Ethics, Textiles, and Food Systems. Each unpacking how materials, production, and systems shape the way we design.

Across these symposiums, we've brought together designers, researchers, and practitioners working at the intersection of craft, industry, and sustainability — among them Søren Pihlmann (Pihlmann Architects), Marion de St Blanquat (Studio Coquille), Dehlia Hannah (Blackout: A Manifesto), emerging designer Mads Barfod, Sara Diaz (Hilo Textiles), and Kirsti Reitan, alongside organisations like Slow Forest Coffee, Endless Food Company, and Eat Wasted.

Together, these conversations have shaped an ongoing exploration of circular practices, material innovation, and alternative production models, grounded in real-world experience and experimentation.

Speaking of: Resourceful Creation
May 17, 2026

As part of Material May in collaboration with Danish Design Center, the symposium explored resourceful creation, working with existing and limited materials as a starting point for design.