Redesign Democracy—Reimagining Voting

Democracies are in crisis. In current discourse, the representative function of parliaments in particular does not play a sufficiently relevant role. The research project Redesigning Democratic Representation (ReDeRe) aims to shed light on the procedural and performative dimension of this representation through an interdisciplinary cooperation between political science and design. This should enable an iterative and constructive research process that develops concrete recommendations for action. The project is based at the University of Fine Arts Hamburg (HFBK Hamburg) in cooperation with Federal University of Applied Administrative Sciences, funded by Volkswagen Foundation.

Democracy thrives on participation—the moment when citizens cast their vote in an election is one of the most central expressions of democratic participation. But how does the act of voting affect us? Currently, there is often a gap between aspiration and reality: in some places, simple containers, sometimes converted garbage cans, serve as ballot boxes. It is time to rethink the meaningful act of voting and its context—in terms of design, space, and performance. As part of the research project ReDeRe, the HFBK Hamburg is organizing a competition for the re-design of the voting process.

We are inviting all designers, artists, students, researchers and citizens to take part in the competition Redesign Democracy—Reimagining Voting. The aim of the competition is to develop appropriate and visionary concepts that enhance the democratic act of voting. With your designs, you are actively shaping the future of democracy. They help to redefine the relevance and symbolism of voting. Be part of this forward-looking project and help to make the act of voting a visible expression of democracy!

Deadline for entries: April 14, 2025 / Award ceremony: Beginning of June 2025.

More information and entry form here.

A jury made up of representatives from politics, society, and design will select the best designs. A total of 3,000 euros in prize money is available, which will be distributed among the winning entries. The best entries will also be presented at the 2026 World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain and honored at an award ceremony at the HFBK Hamburg in June 2025.

A project of HFBK Hamburg and Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung. In cooperation with the German Design Club e.V. (DDC) and Demokratie Innovation e.V. Funded by the Volkswagen Foundation. Project partner: World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026.