8-hour Workshop · On-site · In-person

Philosophical Foundations

Overview

In this live full-day, in-person workshop, you'll explore how timeless philosophical ideas—from Plato’s ideal forms to Heidegger’s concept of being—can shape and elevate modern product design. By drawing on the wisdom of ancient and modern thinkers, we’ll uncover foundational principles that help teams move beyond trends and toward more meaningful, enduring design decisions.

Through hands-on exercises and discussion, you’ll learn how to apply philosophical frameworks to real-world design challenges, fostering clarity, intentionality, and innovation in your work. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of how to craft products that are not only functional and beautiful but also conceptually rich and deeply resonant.

Live, in-person workshop
On-site, wherever you are
One full day, or two half days
4 to 12 participants
Certificate of completion

Workshop alumni include designers & thought leaders from a wealth of fantastic companies.

Audience

This workshop is designed for companies looking to strengthen their design culture and decision-making frameworks. It's ideal for:

Product & Design Teams – Establish a clear, shared foundation for design decisions.
Design System Teams – Define guiding principles that ensure long-term consistency and scalability.
Leadership & Stakeholders – Align cross-functional teams around a unified design philosophy.

Whether you're building a new design system, refining your product strategy, or seeking better alignment between teams, this workshop will provide the structure and tools to embed meaningful design principles into your company's workflow.

Workshop Agenda

Presentation

Split Up

Full Group

Sharing Sessions

Kick-off

Intro to Philosophy in Design

Session 1

Plato’s Ideal Forms

Session 1

Aristotle’s Purpose

Session 1

Kant’s Categorical Imperative

Session 1

Heidegger’s Being

Session 1

Philosophy in Practice

Break or continue next day

Session 2

Session 1 Recap

Session 2

Case Study

Session 2

Timeless Principles

Session 2

Enduring Products

Session 2

Defining Your Philosophy

Wrap-Up

Q&A

Facilitator

With well over a decade of experience, Paul has been a steadfast advocate for design that genuinely cares about the human experience.

His journey has been marked by exciting collaborations with industry giants like Unity, GetYourGuide, Shopify, Coinbase, and many others, imparting invaluable insights that not only elevate his own design, but also empower and elevate designers of all levels to create meaningful experiences that truly resonate with users.

Paul van Oijen

Designer · Teacher · Public Speaker

We walked out of the workshop with a surprisingly practical way to use philosophy in building solid foundations for our design work.

Edgar Hendricks

Staff Product Designer

Straightforward, transparent pricing

Before you pay a dime for the workshop, we schedule a 30-minute intro call to understand your team's needs and tailor the content accordingly. This ensures the session is as relevant and impactful as possible.

Travel Costs

The costs for travel are based on the distance between your location and that of your facilitator.

Workshop Location