Design and innovation are two closely related worlds. When we design, we aim to create change. It could be creating something new or improving something that already exists… but you don’t design if there is no desire to change, even if it’s something small. The same can be said about innovation. There is no innovation without change, and if that change doesn’t generate improvement or a positive impact on the previous situation, can we still call it innovation? So, are we talking about the same thing? Is designing the same as innovating? Can we consider all design to be innovative?
Rather than diving into a semantic discussion and defining two terms that, after 20 years, I still find difficult to define, I want to approach these questions from a reflective standpoint. To me, they are not the same.
Design is not always innovative
Although design generates changes, the depth and impact of those changes varies enormously, between industries, methodologies, and designers. Design can be something very cosmetic; making (or at least trying to) make something look nice or different, or simply make people like it and want to buy it. Let’s think about the fast fashion industry for example. Are there designers? Yes, many. They are there designing the umpteenth variation of a print that will go on a t-shirt that will be replaced in a few weeks by another, and then another, and another. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not criticizing these designers, it’s a worthy job and from a certain point of view, necessary. It generates value for the company that hires them (which needs to sell those t-shirts to grow, generate employment, etc.) and for the people who buy and wear them, because they like them (at least for a while). But really, the term “innovation” doesn’t apply here. These designs are not generating changes or positive impacts on the previous situation. What’s more, if we look at it from an environmental point of view, they are rather perpetuating or assisting a negative impact, in a situation that tends to get worse and affects us all.
Design for Innovation
On the other hand, designing can also be something deeper, more strategic, more systemic, more “innovative.” It is the use of creativity in the service of complex problems, those wicked problems that we never finish solving but that we continue to fight against, because they generate positive changes…for people, companies, the environment. Those problems that require research, co-creation, discussion, analysis…where solutions are proposed and tested before launching them to make sure they work, where we push the boundaries and aim for the best. Where human creativity, technology, science and our endless curiosity drive real progress.
That is what we call at Blaster “design for innovation.” DESIGN, as a process, science or knowledge, at the service of creating those changes that the world needs to improve.
The Blaster Design Method
At Blaster Design, we use design as a tool for innovation. We focus on creative and systemic solutions for complex problems. Our approach involves collaborating with various stakeholders, conducting in-depth research, and testing multiple solutions before implementing them.
If you are looking for a team that can help you transform your organization through design, Blaster Design offers a specialized Service Design service focused on generating strategic change.
How to Contact Us
If you have an idea or project you’d like to discuss, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can also reach out to us directly via WhatsApp; we are ready to help you innovate!
