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Interview

Anne Boysen

A series of short interviews about how creative professionals play at work. In the second instalment, we hear from designer Anne Boysen.

Photographer:
Andreas Bro
Credits:
Andreas Bro
Credits:
Andreas Bro
Interview

Anne Boysen

A series of short interviews about how creative professionals play at work. In the second instalment, we hear from designer Anne Boysen.

What is the value of play in design?

Play is the key to well-made design. Through that, we, as designers, create the best and most ground-breaking designs. And it is through play we, as end-users, experience design in the best way.

Play and design are therefore inseparable. Play is the most essential tool designers have when we experiment and create new products. Time and place disappear when we play. We disappear into a world where we are set free, where our imagination is let loose and where anything is possible. Ideas and experiments evolve from all sides, and suddenly, the new and unique occurs.

The importance of play lies not only in the design process but also in the finished product. I try to create products that invite people to play, to be immersed and to examine, and in that way, pass the playing aspect on to the end-users.

My mantra is: “I transform complexity into simple, intuitive and playful design...” I think that play is an essential part of being human. It’s through play that we sense and develop as humans. It’s where we find joy and well-being - alone and with others.

As a designer, how do you use to play in your creative process?

Play is always the turning point in my creative process. It’s where I feel and sense the project and where my passion is awakened. My design process always starts with free play, where I observe, ask questions, examine and sense. I am open to input; I am curious and acquire knowledge in my own bodily and analogue way.

To do that, I need to have materials in my hands, seek out people who can inspire me, and find new materials and techniques that fascinate me and that I can study closely back at the studio. Everything happens in an analogue format and becomes an interaction between deep concentration in the studio and dialogue with people in the field.

What advice would you give to those who wish to incorporate more playfulness in their work?

Turn off the computer and be curious. Open your senses and be aware of what you see and feel. Seek out inspiring people and give yourself time to play without focusing on a specific output or assignment. Be patient – play always pays off – maybe not as a product or an idea at the end of the day but as knowledge that pays off both economically and mentally.

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At 3daysofdesign, our commitment extends beyond showcasing the latest trends in interior design and furniture. We strive to facilitate meaningful discussions, debate, and actively contribute to pushing forward a more sustainable approach within the realm of interior design and furniture business. Join us in our mission to inspire positive change and promote a greener, more responsible future for the industry.

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3daysofdesign is an exclusive event that's inclusive of everyone. Where the press, content creators, buyers, designers, architects and design enthusiasts, as well as the general public, are invited to experience new concepts from our curated selection of brands from Denmark and elsewhere around the world.

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Since its inception in 2013, Signe Byrdal Terenziani has facilitated the growth of the design community in her role as Managing Director. It all began as a small design event held in an old warehouse in Nordhavn, a harbour area overlooking Copenhagen’s waterfront. Four Danish brands launched the event as a joint initiative: Montana, Erik Jørgensen (now owned by Fredericia Furniture), Anker & Co, and Kvadrat. At that time, Copenhagen lacked a proper design festival, since the previous annual furniture fair at Bella Center closed down some years before.

Today, the 3daysofdesign festival extends to the entire city of Copenhagen and is considered the most significant annual design festival in Scandinavia and Northern Europe.

Each year since its inception, 3daysofdesign has grown in popularity exponentially. In 2024, over 400 brands exhibited at the festival, where over 45.000 visitors could choose from as many as 500 events to attend in various design districts across Copenhagen, such as design talks, product launches, networking, etc.

3daysofdesign takes place every year in Copenhagen mainly in showrooms and galleries during June, Wednesday to Friday. In 2025 the festival will be held from 18 — 20 June 2025.

Pack your bags, book a hotel and come to Copenhagen! 3daysofdesign is open to the general public and everyone is invited to visit the showrooms, exhibitions, workshops and design talks. All events are free of charge.

Please check the programme, which is updated on an ongoing basis, at 3daysofdesign.dk

You can look forward to seeing cutting-edge concepts from new and established names in lifestyle, design, furniture and interior design. Get a preview of new product launches. Learn about upcoming trends on the horizon. Meet the players behind forward-thinking ideas worth knowing. And network with like-minded people with a passion for design.

It's easy to get around in Copenhagen.

Rent a bike, jump on the bus or metro, catch a boat or simply walk from venue to venue. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the architecture, restaurants, cafes, shops and Copenhagen's relaxed vibe by day and vibrant night life.

Absolutely! Don't forget to download our app on your Android or iPhone. It provides a comprehensive view of all the festival events, including a complete list of exhibitions along with their locations on our interactive 3daysofdesign map. Plus, you can use our free QR ticket system for easy access to everything the festival has to offer.

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