SEOUL DESIGN AWARD

The Service Design Network Young Talent Board (or, SDN YTB) is a grassroots global platform led by more than 150 volunteers gathered from more than 30 countries. The project began with the aim of overcoming the limitations of the established design ecosystem where early-career designers and marginalized voices are often excluded, thereby creating a sustainable design community open to all.

Since 2023, the Next Gen Conference series, organised by SDN YTB has provided a stage for young designers to share ideas addressing social challenges in areas such as education, healthcare, and public services. “Future Builders – Next Gen Designers” is the name of SDN YTB’s flagship global project, spreading the message that the next generation of service designers are the architects of our future society.

This initiative is not confined to a single building or space. Instead, it operates across online and offline events and community activities worldwide, promoting service design a more accessible and inclusive professional field. As its name suggests, Future Builders is more than a youth program: it is an experimental ground and stage for nurturing young designers who will lead future social transformation.

SDN YTB is expanding across continents, including Germany, Korea, Kenya, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Guided by the belief that “design knows no boundaries,” it connects participants from high schools, universities, and local communities, amplifying the voices of next-generation designers on a global level. It also ensures that design does not remain confined to a privileged few, but becomes an inclusive tool available to everyone as a means of driving social change.