Design 21 - Happiness: The Tribute 21 Plate Challenge

DESIGN 21, the Social Design Network’s mission is to “inspire social activism through design. It connects people who want to explore ways design can positively impact our many worlds, and who want to create change here, now.”

It believes in using the power of good design for greater purpose.

“We believe the real beauty of design lies in its potential to improve life…that each step in the design process is a choice that ripples out into our communities, our world and our lives. These choices are the result of informed ideas, greater awareness, larger conversations and, most importantly, the desire to do good. Social design is design for everyone’s sake.”

A collaborative project between global design and merchandising company Felissimo and UNESCO, and functioning as an online community, the network includes over 24,000 members from more than 225 countries and over 375 organizations from the non-profit, corporate, education and government sectors. Membership is free. 

Each year, Design 21 competitions invite designers of all disciplines to produce a series of charitable plates. For this year’s competition, the designer’s created plates whose designs communicate a wish, inspiration or message for children and future generations about seeking happiness in harmony with our surroundings. Felissimo will produce the winning designs and sell them through their catalog business in Japan, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the UNESCO/Tribute 21 DREAM Center Fund, which provides underprivileged children opportunities and tools for creative expression.
 
After reviewing 732 entries, The “Reminiscent Innocence” plate by U.S. designer Jody Boyce was selected as the “Most Popular” design as well as a DESIGN 21 “Judges’ Pick.” According to Boyce, “My goal was to try to capture those feelings we all felt as children; the innocent, naïve and green ideas we had about the world before we were thrown into it head first.”

All seven winning designs are delightful and worth a look. Pictured above is my personal favorite: Water Cycle For Life by U.S. artist Arlene Brit.