Definition

A system of knowledge

Knowledge of Design is a cross-disciplinary initiative advancing design as a system of knowledge.

Grounded in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, KoD examines how design informs systems, environments, decisions, and how we live.

Since its founding, KoD has developed an intellectual framework, a methodology, a body of knowledge, a research agenda, an archive, and a community of contributors. Together, these position design as a lens through which relationships, behavior, culture, and the conditions that influence daily life can be explored.

Its activity spans research, publications, workshops, partnerships, public programming, and an annual gathering that brings together perspectives from across sectors and areas of expertise.

Origin

Why KoD exists

KoD was founded in response to a growing disconnect between areas of expertise that continually influence one another.

Across science, technology, engineering, artistic practice, business, research, and culture, people often investigate related challenges without a shared place to exchange knowledge. At the same time, design influences products, environments, infrastructure, services, organizations, and daily experiences, yet it is still frequently understood through a narrow professional lens.

KoD creates a place for those areas to meet. Grounded in STEAM, it connects expertise, opens new lines of inquiry, and examines shared challenges, emerging possibilities, and the role design plays in life.

Stewardship & support

HRH Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif Al Saud

KoD has developed with the belief, vision, and sustained support of HRH Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif Al Saud.

As founder of Rukun and AlMashtal, she created the conditions that allowed the initiative to develop and continue. Her understanding of design as a system of knowledge has informed KoD from its earliest stages and supported its growth beyond an annual gathering into a continuing platform for research, inquiry, and exchange.

Founder

Brandie Janow

KoD was founded by Brandie Janow, who leads its intellectual direction, research, curation, and partnerships.

The initiative developed from her conviction that design, science, and the pursuit of knowledge belong in the same room, and that design can be understood not simply through what it produces, but through the knowledge, systems, relationships, and decisions it makes possible.

Institutional context

Rukun

KoD is a Rukun-led initiative.

Rukun is a research, innovation, and strategy company contributing Saudi-based insight to cultural and economic development. It brings together research, futures thinking, strategy, and program development to create frameworks, initiatives, and systems connected to cultural and creative-sector development.

Within this wider context, KoD serves as a public platform for inquiry across design and STEAM, connecting annual programming with research, publications, partnerships, and a growing body of knowledge.