That magical time of the year where Melbourne’s best and brightest celebrate design in the form of exhibitions, talks, installations and workshops has returned once again, and this year we really are spoilt for choice. If you, like many of us, cannot decide what you want to check out first at this year’s Melbourne Design Week do not fret, we’ve done the hard work for you and made a great selection of must-see events running from May 18 to 28 to make the most of the city’s coolest week.

INTERACTIVE WEAVING CIRCLE
Part of the Numbulwar Numburindi pop-up studio event at Tait Showroom, visiting artists Rose Wilfred, Joy Wilfred and Janette Murrungun incorporate discarded fishing gear and nets into reclaimed woven works. This interactive event invites all participants to take part in sustainable art methods and create an active dialogue about material harvesting and traditional practices.

DESIGN YOUR OWN SCENT
For all the fancy-folk out there that want to smell as luxurious as they feel, Perfume Playground and Work Club’s Florence Guild has the perfect event for you! This sensory experience is truly one-of-a-kind and is a must for anyone keen on the science that goes into creating a signature scent, and it also comes with a canapé menu inspired by all the great smells on display in case you needed even more persuasion.

SYMPHONIC SKATEBOARDING
It’s pretty much an accepted truth of the universe that skateboarding is one of the coolest human inventions ever, but (in a feat that was once thought impossible) the team over at Symphonic Skateboarding have transformed it into something even more totally-rad than it already was. This installation explores the accessible and aesthetic possibilities of skateboarding through the use of playful, interactive structures that create music when skated onto. Tubular! 

THE FUTURE OF FOOD
Brave and curious foodies are encouraged to check out this food-based event that examines and explores what food technologies and taste palettes might look like in the near future, ranging from plant-based meat to new innovations of food waste. Experience a night of unique tastings and talks to discover and learn more about the future of food innovation.

DESIGNING FERTILITY
Women, since the dawn of time, have explored the design possibilities of pregnancy, birth, fertility and postpartum in the form of foods, herbs, teas and even poisons. With today’s technology offering new discussions on how human reproduction can be improved, check out this symposium presented by Emily Wong that examines the relationship between medicine, food and culture through the realm of fertility and birthing practices from all over the world.

1-HOUR EXHIBITION
Organised by Friends and Associates in collaboration with Myf Doughty, this experimental exhibition delves into inclusivity by requesting all participants bring something they can sit on and remain in the event space for a complete 60 minutes. Possibilities really are endless with this one, so let your seating preferences run as wild or as tame as you’d like.

TO SPACE AND BACK
Let’s face it: nothing will capture human fascination more than the inky-black mysteries of space. If you, like most of us, want to explore the vast reaches of our known universe but don’t have the time to become an astronaut yourself, Scienceworks has you covered with a new planetarium experience showing off how human ingenuity and design allows us to continue venturing far into the cosmos.

CIRCULAR BASKET WEAVING WORKSHOP
Presented by BETA By STH BNK and Sienna Barton, this workshop invites all crafty-types to create their own unique and colourful baskets made from recycled and reclaimed materials through the ancient art of weaving. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon creating something you will cherish for years to come, and leave with the knowledge of how to make even more in the future.

DESIGN YOUR OWN UNIVERSE
If that sentence doesn’t at least pique your interest then truly nothing else will. UnitePlayPerform is putting on a playful program at the Old Union Bank that calls upon all individuals to play, create and connect with wearable sculptures, soundscapes and tangible materials to design a universe fit for you. Be the maker of your own world and create something purely personal.

BREAKING THE PIXEL CEILING
Presented by Play On Play and in collaboration with The Design Kids, this discussion includes a stellar lineup of female and non-binary creatives shedding light on the pitfalls and wins while working within their unique industries. Have a chinwag with some artsy-folk and gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be a creative worker in today’s world.  

JUGS
Has there ever been a tool more pivotal in human history than the humble jug? Probably, but they still deserve all the hype. Check out this event where twenty ceramic artists’ reinterprete the classic vessel and examine how it relates to the ever-changing human experience.

Melbourne Design Week runs from May 18 to 28.