Designing with institutions: How the design activity can contribute to structural change in public organisations

A design-driven approach is increasingly used in public organisations to address complex challenges, such as improving public services. Yet in practice, new solutions do not always deliver the intended impact. Designs often fail to align with existing rules, routines and structures within organisations.

This project explores how design can better engage with these institutional structures. The team investigates which structures hinder change, and which are so essential to an organisation that they must be considered in the design process.

To do this, three existing projects will be analysed, focusing on their direct and indirect effects on organisational behaviour. In addition, design research will be used to explore how the design process itself can contribute to organisational change.

The project will result in knowledge, frameworks, tools and methods that support designers in addressing structural factors in their work. In doing so, it contributes to a more effective design practice for the public sector.

€321.838,- will be used as a PPP program grant.