Exchanging Design: The Designs without Borders Model

The overall goal of Design without Borders, a Norsk Form Programme is to promote reciprocal learning and development in the field of design in organisations and communities through the exchange of designers and funding of prototype development as well as exhibits, publications, and lectures. The programme is jointly funded by Norad's Department for Economic Development, Energy, Gender and Governance and by Fredkorpset (FK).

Norad identifies this programme as a private sector development effort and it is a part of a wide variety of Norwegian efforts supporting the improvement of business environments in the South.

FK seeks, through this programme like their other exchanges, to promote change in the mind and on the ground by enabling exchanges between designers in Norway and countries in the South. In the DwB programme, these exchanges have been primarily to Guatemala and Uganda. Exchange participants to the countries in the South have primarily, but not exclusively, been Norwegian. Between 2002 and 2012 the DwB programme has facilitated a total of 44 exchanges, involving 36 companies, organisations or institutions.