Solving the Economic Crisis with Design Innovation

Posted by Andree Iffrig Dec 21, 2008

Roger Martin, dean of the Rotman School of Management, has observed that the business model that landed the world in its current economic difficulties isn't likely to offer a way out. A new model is required. Design practice, with its focus on innovation, might succeed where the world of commerce has failed because design creates new models rather than relying on conventional approaches.

Designers are trained to explore and a frequently-cited maxim reminds architects that "constraints make for better buildings." Faced with complexity, designers enter fearlessly into new terrain. Using techniques like applied design research and participatory processes, designers arrive at innovative solutions by engaging with diverse groups of people. Martin has noted that most business people prefer to work with people like themselves, further limiting fresh thinking.

The field of design that offers the most fertile terrain for exploration is sustainable design. Principles like connectivity, biomimicry and long life, loose fit are deployed by skilled practitioners to address all kinds of issues, from designing new communities to engaging employees through thoughtful interior design.

• Long life-loose fit is a sustainability principle used by designers to enhance the adaptability of architecture; the same principle can be applied to manage for diversity in organizations or to engage employees.
• Biomimicry, or the practice of mimicking the way nature works to design more sustainably, informs manufacturing and design processes to avoid further degradation of the environment.
• Connectivity is a principle widely recognized as a way to design more pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods and to maintain sustainable animal populations in wildlife habitats. Connectivity works equally well in understanding and enhancing effective communication in organizations.

Any one of these principles can be used to solve problems endemic to organizations. Perhaps it’s time the politicians and business people tasked with solving the economic crisis were sent to design boot camp. They might learn something about sustainable development while they’re at it.