Every year the Dutch Design Awards (DDA) celebrate the very best of Dutch design. This year's selection - the award's 12th edition - comprises 25 finalists in six categories: product, communication, habitat, fashion, design research, service and systems. A committee of independent experts, which includes the likes of Droog's Renny Ramakers and Rianne Makkink of Studio Makkink & Bey, drafted the shortlist after assessing a total of over 250 entries. The committee members this year point out that Dutch design is increasingly questioning its own parameters.
"Actively sharing thoughts about content plays a striking role in this trend," they say. "Dutch designers focus on the development of new perspectives and are often the connecting factor between the parties involved. They are more capable than anyone else to change conventional notions of beauty and taste."
An international expert jury designates the winner in each of the six categories and presents the awards during Dutch Design Week in October. The work of all the finalists will be on view during a nine-day exhibition. See our round up of some of the most interesting finalists in our gallery above.