In an attempt to pin down the comprehensive theme, BIO 26| Common Knowledge adopted the data–information–knowledge–wisdom (DIKW) Knowledge Hierarchy diagram. The DIKW system is used as a base to structure the central exhibition, commissions, catalogue and public programs at BIO 26| Common Knowledge. The central exhibition and accompanying catalogue, which will be released as a magazine of 5 issues, is divided into five thematic chapters: the four components of the pyramid diagram -data, information, knowledge, and wisdom- and one introductory chapter dedicated solely to the 'information crisis' as a whole.

BIO 26| Common Knowledge is organized around a central exhibition of historic and contemporary projects that are presented at MAO, the Museum of Architecture and Design in Ljubljana. At the central exhibition prominent works of Otto Neurath, Orson Welles, Victor Papanek, Otl Aicher, Superflux, Dunne & Raby, Forensic Architecture, acclaimed infographist Jaime Serra, editorial designers Mark Porter & Francesco Franchi and the intrinsic Institute of Patent Infringement project are on the show. The 26th Biennial of Design is proud to collaborate with international partners, such as ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe and MU artspace Eindhoven. Both are showing exciting exhibitions on the framework of the biennial. The pharmaceutical company Lek is contributing a presentation of the Bohuslav Lavička Pharmaceutical and Medical Collection.

Besides the central exhibition, BIO 26| Common Knowledge presents six major commissioned experimental projects by multidisciplinary teams selected through a designathon process. For the commissioned projects BIO 26| Common Knowledge has partnered with six institutions central to knowledge production and dissemination, such as a museum, library, university, and newspaper, but also a botanical garden and retirement home. The six winning teams have been guided by a professional and international team of Design Mentors, namely Commonplace, Paolo Patelli, Apolonija Šušteršič, Kathrina Dankl, Futurefarmers, and Bureau d'études. The six Design Mentors also present their own work(s) in the central exhibition at MAO.

VISIT BIO 26