What is social design and why is it relevant for researchers?
What is social design? Social design is a design philosophy centered on creating solutions that drive societal impact. Its relevance extends beyond designers, making it equally valuable for academics, policymakers, and professionals striving to make a meaningful difference.
In this article, we explore the core principles of social design, how it stands apart from other design approaches, and why it is such a powerful method for tackling complex social challenges.
What is social design?
Social design revolves around three fundamental elements:
1. Social
The focus is on challenges that individuals or society as a whole face. Examples include themes
like inclusivity, sustainability, or well-being.
2. Design
It’s not just about the idea or solution but also about translating it into a usable, context-specific form. Without good design, even the best knowledge remains unused.
3. Impact
A solution is only successful if it is actually applied. Without impact, there is no real solution.
In short, social design is characterized by a strong focus on the goal: societal impact. The form—whether for our designers or researchers—is secondary to the goal. A good social designer chooses the form that will make the most significant difference in real lives, for real people—not the form that simply looks trendy or sounds impressive in a boardroom.
Why is social design relevant for researchers?
Many academic research projects and innovations face challenges in reaching practical application, often because they don’t fully align with the experiences or needs of end users. Social design offers a valuable way to bridge this gap between knowledge and real-world implementation.
Take the example of a metro map: while a detailed, topographically accurate map provides precise information, it may be too complex for most travelers. A simplified map, though less detailed, is far more user-friendly and effective for its intended purpose.
This concept applies to communicating research results as well. For instance, a researcher may produce an in-depth report on lifestyle changes for vocational school students, filled with valuable insights. However, translating this knowledge into a format that resonates with a 13-year-old student requires careful consideration and adaptation. Social design supports researchers in this process by transforming complex findings into practical, accessible solutions, ensuring their work can make a tangible difference.
What are the benefits of social design?
1. Societal relevance
Social design focuses on addressing social challenges like sustainability, inclusivity, and well-being. It ensures that resources are not wasted on solutions with no real demand or application.
3. Sustainable solutions
Social design deeply considers users’ contexts and needs, leading to solutions that are effective not only during a project but also afterward.
5. Implementation and embedding
Since impact is the goal, implementation is prioritized from the beginning. By designing with end users in mind, the likelihood of achieving sustainable impact increases significantly.
2. User engagement
By involving end users and stakeholders through co-creation, social design fosters a sense of ownership and increases the likelihood of successful implementation.
4. Transdisciplinary collaboration
The process brings together diverse disciplines—from researchers to end users—and fosters collaboration and mutual understanding.
Conclusion: what is social design and why is it relevant for researchers?
Social design is a philosophy dedicated to developing solutions that drive societal impact. By bridging the gap between knowledge and practice, social designers transform innovations and research findings into tangible outcomes. While publications, reports, and innovations are often targeted at peers or policymakers, they frequently fail to reach the people who could benefit most. This is where social design proves invaluable: it translates academic knowledge into practical, accessible forms that create meaningful change. Shkorey is an excellent example of this translation, the final report of this study was published in spring 2024. Shkorey and other projects are additionally highlighted in our blog on sample social design cases.
What can social design contribute to your research?
Social design helps researchers tackle complex societal challenges while enhancing stakeholder engagement. This approach often results in valuable outcomes, both academically and socially. If you’re considering incorporating social design into your research but are unsure where to begin, we’re here to assist. For instance, we can help you explore how to integrate an iterative approach into your project proposal.
You can join our Monthly Online Q&A or contact Johan directly via mail or Linkedin. . Additionally, our resource library contains a wealth of resources, including insights on how design can serve as a research tool and examples of researchers who have successfully implemented hebben toegepast.
