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 can shape and elevate modern product design. From Plato's ideal forms to Heidegger's concept of being, we'll draw on the wisdom of ancient and modern thinkers to 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
What changes after this workshop
- Your team stops chasing trends and starts making decisions rooted in enduring intent.
- Tradeoffs become easier to navigate. You have a conceptual anchor to guide difficult choices.
- Your product philosophy becomes explicit, not implicit. Everyone can articulate what you stand for.
- Design decisions feel more intentional and less arbitrary, both internally and to users.
- Your team gains a shared vocabulary for discussing the "why" behind design, not just the "what."
What you leave with
- A decision framework for evaluating design choices through a philosophical lens
- A "philosophy-to-principles" worksheet for translating abstract ideas into practical guidance
- A team-aligned product stance articulating what your product believes and why
- Example applications showing how philosophical frameworks apply to your real product
- A reading list of accessible philosophical texts for continued exploration
- A certificate of completion for each participant
Workshop alumni include designers & thought leaders from a wealth of fantastic companies.
Choose this workshop if...
- Your product feels reactive or trend-driven, lacking a clear conceptual foundation
- You want to build products with lasting intent, not just features that ship
- Your team struggles to articulate what your product stands for beyond its function
- You enjoy deep thinking and want to elevate the intellectual rigor of your design process
Not a fit if...
- You're looking for tactical UX methods. This workshop is about conceptual depth.
- Your team isn't open to abstract discussion. This workshop requires intellectual curiosity.
- You need a practical framework for design critiques. Check out our Design Principles workshop.
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 stopped chasing competitors and started building from our own convictions. Six months later, our product feels distinct in a way it never did before.
Edgar Hendricks
Staff Product Designer, Developer Tools
After the intro call
Tailored agenda
We send you a customized agenda based on what we discussed, along with a quote.
Review and confirm
You review, request any adjustments, and confirm the dates that work for your team.
Workshop day
We show up ready to go. You just need a room and your people.
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
Up to 8 participants
Workshop cost
$2999 USD
Travel
Variable
Total
Starting from $2999 USD
Up to 16 participants
Workshop cost
$4999 USD
Travel
Variable
Scale Discount
- $700 USD
Total
Starting from $4299 USD
Any questions in the room?
At this stage, you probably have a few questions. We welcome them! We're also more than happy to cover any questions in our intro call.
Full-day, in-person workshop
Anytime · Wherever you are
Facilitated by Paul van Oijen
Book a 30-minute intro callNo commitment. We'll tailor the agenda to your team.
5 Continents
We've conducted workshops for teams across the globe and back, from foggy San Francisco to neon-lit Tokyo.
1000+ Participants
From groups as small as 4 to jam-packed conference rooms of 28 designers & thought leaders.
Countless Aha! Moments
Our workshops have helped hundreds of teams shift perspectives and make better product decisions.
Not the workshop you were looking for?
Check out some of our other rotational workshops.
8-hour workshop
From $2999 + travel