krydsdesign

Krydsdesign is a term used in Danish design discourse to describe a cross-disciplinary approach to design that integrates elements from multiple design fields—such as industrial, graphic, interaction, and urban design—to address complex problems. The concept emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, the reuse of design knowledge, and the creation of cohesive systems rather than isolated artifacts.

Historically, krydsdesign emerged from the Danish design tradition’s emphasis on functionality, human-centeredness, and sustainability, and has been reinforced by modern practice in design thinking, participatory design, and systems thinking. It is often associated with laboratories, studios, and educational programs that encourage collaborative projects and iterative prototyping.

Core principles of krydsdesign include: cross-functional teams that bring together diverse expertise; modularity and interoperability of components to allow flexible adaptation; iterative prototyping and testing with real users; a focus on long-term usability, maintenance, and lifecycle impacts; and an emphasis on sustainability and responsible resource use. The approach also highlights the value of bridging digital and physical media, as well as aligning aesthetic goals with functional performance across contexts.

Practices commonly seen in krydsdesign projects involve co-design sessions with stakeholders, the use of grid systems or modular frameworks to coordinate diverse elements, and the development of scalable solutions that can be customized for different settings. Applications span product design, user interfaces, architecture, urban planning, and informational design.

Critics note potential challenges, including coordination complexity and the risk of diluting specialist depth. Proponents argue that krydsdesign fosters resilience, adaptability, and more holistic outcomes. Related concepts include design thinking, participatory design, modular design, and systems design.