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Transition Design Conference July 8–11 2026 in Mexico City
Now accepting applications to the doctoral program in Transition Design at Carnegie Mellon University

In-Person Workshops

Group photo of workshop participants in Majorca, Spain; participant in a workshop at Schumacher College presenting against a background of post-its and presentation sketches.
participants in the Majorca workshop presenting their work to each other; participants from the Schumacher College UK workshop interacting with instructors.
Hotel with courtyard and fountain where the Majorca workshop was held; workshop with participants gathered around papers on a desk and complex mapping on the wall in the background

In-person workshops offer an immersive experience for groups and organizations.

TDI’s in-person workshops are customized for organizations and groups seeking to apply the Transition Design approach to real-world challenges. Like the online versions, these workshops are tailored in duration and emphasis and are offered in two formats: one combines conceptual frameworks with applied exercises; the other is shorter and focused on hands-on, applied systems change. Both formats support team-based learning and stakeholder engagement in a highly collaborative setting.

Because facilitators can circulate and work closely with teams, in-person workshops provide a rich learning experience in systems thinking and the power of narrative. The in-person exchange allows for a deeper exploration of interconnections and long-term transitions. These workshops encourage participants to analyze complex systems more deeply and develop a nuanced understanding of how to create meaningful change.

The Importance of Place-Based Engagement

In-person workshops are place-based by design, and their success depends on a well-considered setting that supports lively exchange, structured teamwork, and moments for critical reflection. The ability of facilitators to circulate among teams and engage directly enhances the experience, allowing for deeper exploration of systemic relationships and long-term transitions. These workshops foster team cohesion, strengthen systems thinking skills, and help participants build a shared understanding of how to design for meaningful change.

Interested groups can learn more about CoDesign4Transitions, a 2024 workshop delivered in London for doctoral students in the EU. Contact Terry Irwin to inquire about a customized workshop: tirwin@andrew.cmu.edu.