Saturday, June 6th (Premiere Day)
7:30 PM: Doors open
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Talk and screening
Starting at 9:00 PM: Premiere party in the cinema foyer
Die Veranstaltung ist kostenlos, Tickets hier reservieren
https://www.whatarepeoplefor.com/wdc-premiere-rsvp
What Are People For
What Are People For: Design Philosophy by Patrick Whitney is a short documentary and companion book exploring the work and enduring influence of Patrick Whitney, one of the pioneering figures in human-centered and systems design. Produced by Murmur Ring and Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gary Hustwit (Helvetica, Rams, Eno), the film examines Whitney’s belief that design is not merely about products or aesthetics, but a means of addressing society’s most complex challenges from public health and education to governance, and economic development. Through conversations with Patrick and global leaders across policy, business, and academia, the project reveals how Whitney helped redefine design as a framework for making institutions, systems, and decision-making more humane, transparent, and responsive to real human needs.
Premiering as a marquee program of the World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026, the film positions democracy itself as a design challenge. Filmed alongside Whitney at work on design projects in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, British Columbia, India, and Hong Kong, What Are People For brings together voices like Ashish Jha and Jim Hackett to examine how Whitney’s ideas continue to influence the design of systems that govern everyday life. The project also includes a companion book designed by Rick Valicenti, recipient of the Smithsonian’s National Design Award, whose groundbreaking work has helped define contemporary graphic design practice. Together, the film and book serve both as a portrait of a visionary thinker and a timely meditation on the role design can play in shaping a more equitable and participatory future.
