On a gray Sunday morning in November, there is hardly a better place to escape the autumn weather than the X-D-E-P-O-T of Die Neue Sammlung - surrounded by iconic design classics. A particularly exciting event made it even more appealing: under the title "New Modes V | From Imagination to Storytelling", BMW Group Design and Die Neue Sammlung - The Design Museum hosted a discussion on the power of storytelling. Guests Doris Dörrie, Christoph Niemann and Anders Warming, whose work each embodies the connection between narrative and design in their own unique way, shared their perspectives on the importance of narratives in an increasingly predictable, technologized world.
The fifth edition of the talk series "New Modes of Being", initiated by BMW Group Design and Die Neue Sammlung - The Design Museum, showed once again that design not only combines form and function, but can also touch and change our stories - and therefore our lives. Angelika Nollert, Director of Die Neue Sammlung, introduced the discussion, which fittingly took place in the X-Depot surrounded by design classics, with an important observation: "Design is always also storytelling - functional and solution-oriented." For Nollert, it is crucial to create curiosity through narratives that arouse people's interest and make them think.
The panel was moderated by design journalist and style columnist Valerie Präkelt, who skillfully steered the discussion and teased out exciting insights. Doris Dörrie, well-known filmmaker and writer, opened the discussion with a critical perspective on storytelling. "For me, it's a bit deplorable that everything is turned into a story," said Dörrie, questioning the insatiable demand for narratives that often exclusively pursue commercial interests. In her experience, the best stories are those that demand a genuine transformation. "You have to differentiate between what a hero wants and what they need - both can be very different," she explained. Referring to current challenges, she added: "The world needs something different from what we often want. We need a world that survives."
Christoph Niemann, artist and award-winning illustrator, followed up and spoke about the influence of writer Stephen King on his understanding of storytelling - his illustrations have often been open-ended ever since. "Things that have no specific intention sometimes move us more," he explained, emphasizing that true creativity often arises where control is let go. Niemann sees the personal perspective as "a projection and empathy tool" that attracts people because it reflects authentic memories and emotions.
Designer Anders Warming, Head of BMW Group Designworks & Advanced Design, emphasized the importance of creating experiences through design that are relevant to people: "In our work, we put ourselves in the shoes of people who may experience something in the future," he said, emphasizing the need to embrace new ideas that go beyond what can be planned. This approach makes it possible to welcome the unknown and develop innovative perspectives.
Finally, the discussion turned to the question of predictability in a world in which artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly dominant. Doris Dörrie warned against an "algorithm culture" that increasingly minimizes unpredictability. "Precise reporting of our own perception is our treasure. We must cultivate our uniqueness, especially in times of AI," she explained, emphasizing that it is precisely the imperfection and diversity of the human gaze that represents an inestimable value.
The discussion made it impressively clear that storytelling and design are still a powerful means of supporting personal and social transformation in today's world. With the appeal to cultivate creativity as an individual and often unpredictable form of expression, the guests left an inspiring message that resonated beyond the day.
The next edition of New Modes will take place as part of MCBW 2025, all dates and information can be found here
More about the X-D-E-P-O-T of the New Collection
Further information on the work of Christoph Niemann
Click through some exciting projects from BMW Group Design
More information about Doris Dörrie on her Instagram channel
To the website of design journalist Valerie Präkelt
