Dd Yearbook ’25

The fifth edition of BNO’s Dd Yearbook immerses readers in a world full of contradictions, under the theme "(Off) Balance." The question is no longer whether imbalance defines our time, but whether we have the courage to restore equilibrium. Will the design sector adhere to the status quo, or will designers dare to challenge established norms and explore new realms of functionality and meaning?

We’ve visually translated this theme by embracing bold, deliberate choices. All titles are presented in the same font size, sometimes causing text to spill off the page, highlighting the tension between order and chaos. The playful manipulation of whitespace and symmetry—often absent or disrupted—emphasizes the sense of imbalance. Instead of traditional colored blocks, we chose colored paper, merging content with materiality to create a new form of balance between the elements.

Each edition of the Dd Yearbook features a different designer on the cover, showcasing unique perspectives. This year, the publication highlights Marianne Schokkenbroek’s graduation project, Domestic Balloons, which delves into the restrictive nature of societal beauty standards. Schokkenbroek’s work—featuring latex balloons and condoms confined within ropes and cages—reveals the complexity of self-imposed constraints, a theme that aligns perfectly with the Off Balance concept. The thoughtful integration of her work exemplifies the book’s commitment to showcasing the diversity of contemporary design.

As the largest community of designers in the Netherlands, BNO’s Dd Yearbook serves as both a reflection of the design sector’s evolution and a platform for Dutch designers. The Dd platform, which includes both the Dd Magazine and Dd Yearbook, highlights annual themes that explore pressing issues and celebrate the creativity and achievements within the design community. Through its content and design, the Yearbook fosters connections between established professionals and emerging talent, promoting a continuous dialogue about the relevance of design in a rapidly changing world.