Temes de Disseny is a scientific publication born from the research anxiety and vocation of Elisava Research. Since 1986 the school makes the journal available for the readers. The publication addresses from an analytical perspective a great variety of subjects related to design’s connection with fields such as culture, communication, technology or economy from an analytical perspective.

This special issue of Temes de Disseny responds to the urgent need for design approaches that address the complexities of sustainable transitions. It explores how design can support these transitions by adopting frameworks that account for the dynamic, multi-scale, multi-species and cross-disciplinary challenges inherent in transforming complex socio-ecological and socio-technical systems. Drawing on principles from transition design and recognising the agency of diverse forms of intelligence (i.e. ecological, human, computational), this issue focuses on the role of design in fostering systemic change.

Temes de Disseny welcomes a diverse range of contributions from all fields of design, and the arts that explore new, life-centered design perspectives embracing the plurality of all life forms. We are particularly interested in contributions that present theoretical insights, practice-based research, and experimental approaches, embracing a plurality of perspectives in design, especially focusing on:
- Multilevel perspective on sustainable transitions
- Knowledge systems
- Develop place-based transitions
- Service systems and policies (as enablers or blockers)
- Participatory Approaches
- Design Practices

This issue will be published on Summer 2026, and the Guest Editors will be:

Laurene Vaughan, PhD – RMIT University
Marzia Mortati, PhD – Department of Design, Politecnico di Milano
Isabel Ordóñez, PhD – Elisava, Barcelona School of Design and Engineering (UVic-UCC)

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Download here the Call for Papers PDF with additional information.
https://raco.cat/index.php/Temes/announcement/view/226

Read the Special Issues Guidelines here.
https://raco.cat/index.php/Temes/guidelines-special-issues

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Submit your proposal at the journal’s website, under TdD2026 section.
Deadline for full papers: 6 June 2025.