ESConference ‘ESC Unboxed’

On May 26, 2025, ESC will open the ‘toolbox’ of Systemic Co-Design during the ESConference: ESC Unboxed at Pakhuis de Zwijger. This edition takes a deep dive into the practices, tools, and insights that have been developed, tested, and applied across the Expertise Network Systemic Co-Design in recent years. 

Systemic Co-Design in Action
At ESC, we are committed to accelerating transitions from a Systemic Co-Design (SCD) perspective—including the development of knowledge(products) that supports this. In recent years, we have explored what SCD is and how it is used in practice. This has yielded not only valuable insights but also concrete tools, including the knowledge products developed through the ESCall. 

During ESC Unboxed, we will explore our collective toolbox for system change together with you—researchers, designers, professionals, lecturers, and change-makers within the network. What have we gathered, how do we translate this into knowledge, and how does it contribute to our shared learning process? We will exchange knowledge, experiment with different tools, and learn from real-world cases.  

This is not a conference where you only listen – you will actively engage. In our SCD workspaces, you will work with outcomes from various ESC programs. A preview of what’s to come:  

• Knowledge emerges everywhere: in the workplace, in design practice, and in research. How do we connect theory, design, and practice to structure knowledge and make it applicable?  

• How can we design systemically with time and what is yet to unfold? With three projects, including Wijk als Biotoop, we explore how different perspectives on time shape Systemic Co-Design.  

• The book launch of the first in a series of three ESC books, highlighting the perspectives of our creative partners. This publication brings together all knowledge products developed and refined through the ESCall.  

• Discover our new program line “ESCuela,” with programs and materials for education and professionalization, and experience practices and tools in this offering.   

• Dive into key outcomes from collaborative projects. 

Explore the practices, tools, and insights within SCD that drive transitions forward. What’s in your toolbox for systems change?  

The conference will be held in English. Some workshops will be in Dutch, this will be indicated in advance.