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DRS2026 FAQs

    DRS2026 FAQs

    Please note: this page is updated as new information is released about DRS2026. 

     

    FAQs: General

     

    When is the paper submission deadline? Where can I find instructions on how to submit a paper? 

    We have not yet released the call for papers for DRS2026. We do not yet have finalised timelines or paper guidance. However, we expect timelines and guidance to roughly follow that of previous conferences. You can find the guidance used for DRS2024: Boston here. 

     

    Is the conference going to offer an online option? 
    The expectation is that there will be some mechanism for people to present virtually. However, we do not yet know how robust the online offering will be at this point.  

     

    Are there unified standards and requirements for the ethical guidelines in design research? 
    At DRS2024, we did introduce guidelines around the use of AI in papers. This has yet to be released for DRS2026. Broadly, we defer to the ethical standards in the country in which you are conducting the research. To note: DRS does require original research and does not allow duplicate submissions, thus preventing self plagiarism. 
     

     

    FAQs: Theme Tracks

     

    What are the key responsibilities of theme track Chairs and Sub-chairs? 
    Largely, the expected role and responsibilities are concerning organising expertise. There is not a specific expectation about the role of a Chair versus a sub-chair. Other responsibilities include:

    • organising and promoting the track once the call for papers is open; 
    • reviewing papers submitted to the track, organising external reviewers (three per paper submission), making initial program decisions and working in conjunction with the Programme Co-Chairs, who make final decisions on accepted papers; 
    • once papers are accepted, collaboratively grouping papers into sessions (one or multiple, depending on the number of papers submitted, based on guidance from the program co-chairs); and
    • assisting with session chairing during the conference. 
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    Do the Co-Chairs need to be physically present at the conference? 
    Not necessarily, however, we expect at least some people on the track’s organising team to be present.

     

    Are there specific requirements to be a track Chair or Sub-Chair? 
    No, there is no eligibility criteria for people proposing tracks. However, the organising team as a unit should have the expertise to judge the rigour and quality of the research papers submitted and an adequate network to identify potential reviewers.  

     

    Is there a maximum or minimum or ideal number of people involved in proposing a track?
    It is ideal to have at least two organisers, perhaps more if you expect you will receive a large number of submissions to your track. There should be at least one person who serves as a primary liaison between the track and the Programme Co-Chairs. 

     

    Is it typical for other, related societies to lead theme tracks? 
    Although it is normal for there to be some alignment with other societies in DRS theme tracks, there is no expectation of a formal affiliation. 

     

    If I have an idea for a track that is aligned with a DRS SIG, should I contact the SIG directly? 
    Yes. 

     

    Is there going to be an overall theme or direction for the conference that tracks can align towards? 
    There is not a specific theme for the conference to which you need to align your track. 

     

    What are the criteria for evaluating theme tracks? 
    Please see the call for more information about assessment criteria. Broady, we ask: is this of specific relevance to the DRS community to attract strong paper submissions and do you have subject expertise and the capacity to organise the track and review submissions?  

     

    What is the general acceptance rate for theme tracks?
    At DRS2024, the acceptance rate was about 50%. However, this included some consolidation of tracks, and so may vary for DRS2026. The goal of track acceptances is to represent as broad a range of design research as possible. 

     

    Will all theme track proposals receive feedback?
    Unfortunately, we are not able to provide feedback to all proposals. 

     

    How many submissions might we expect to our track? 
    Each theme should be likely to receive at least 10-12 papers (though this is average, up to 25 papers is not uncommon, and our most popular tracks in 2024 received more than 50 submissions) with the expectation that there will be a 45-50% acceptance rate, which will manifest as one session of about 5 to 6 papers. However, if a track receives more accepted papers, then there is the possibility of having multiple paper sessions, possibly including papers from the open call or other tracks.

     

    Can I or other members of the track organising submit a paper to our own track?
    Yes, however, we discourage track coordinators from becoming too insular. We seek to promote the spirit of design, research, and collaboration, so will be looking for proposals that seek to cast a wide net in a particular area of design research. You will also need to demonstrate that you are upholding rigorous review standards, such as ensuring you do not select paper reviewers for your own submission. 

     

    What software do you use to review papers? 
    We will be using Conftool. 

     

    What is the timeline for review of papers that have been submitted to our track? 
    We do not yet have set paper timelines for DRS2026. However, we expect that the call for papers will be announced in early August, paper submission deadlines will be in the late autumn, after which the review process will begin. 

     

    How is consistency of paper review maintained across tracks?
    There are two main ways consistency is maintained. The first is the Chair and Sub-Chairs’ expertise and expectation to assemble peer reviewers who are able to assess papers for rigour and quality. The second is the Programme Co-Chairs, who also assess acceptances across tracks to assure consistency.  

     

    Can the track co-chairs be listed as confirmed reviewers?
    Yes.

     

    Do reviewers need to confirm their commitment to do so in the proposal application? 
    You do not need to provide a full list of reviewers at this stage. However, you are expected to list at least ten tentative reviewers in your application. If you have a list of people who have already agreed or who are likely to participate, you can mention that and include a rough estimate of the number of reviewers you expect. 

     

    Are session numbers determined by the number of submissions to a particular track? 
    There is a relationship between the submission volume for a track and sessions. However, the quality of submissions to each track is the determining factor regarding the number of accepted papers, and ultimately, the number of paper sessions.