Thomas Binder

Thomas Binder is a Full Professor at the IT University of Copenhagen (ITU), affiliated with the Department of Human-Computer Interaction and Design and the Center for Climate IT. His research focuses on design experiments, participatory design, and knowledge production in collaborative settings. Key areas include co-design methodologies, social innovation, and the application of design thinking to address societal challenges. He is particularly known for his work on design laboratories as platforms for experimentation and dialogue.

Research Interests:

• Design experiments and heterogeneous engineering
• Participatory design and co-creation processes
• Design anthropology and futures studies
• Social innovation and sustainability
• Design education and pedagogical frameworks

Recent work highlights include studies on nurturing design practices, rethinking co-design as social drama, and exploring the role of design in public sectors. His research often intersects with interdisciplinary collaborations, emphasizing the interplay between theory and practice.

Labs/Teams: Binder’s work is closely tied to design laboratories, such as the Design: Lab at ITU, which serves as a space for experimental design research and participatory innovation. These labs focus on creating dialogic spaces for stakeholders to engage with future scenarios and societal challenges.