Learning from 7 What Design Can Do Challenges

What Design Can Do (WDCD) investigates the approach and impact of seven design challenges where designers are encouraged to tackle societal issues. The research focuses on how WDCD supports designers in developing their role and expertise within transitions.

A concrete example from the research is the emphasis on empowering designers through coaching and creating an international community. WDCD provides an experimental environment where designers are encouraged to refine their ideas, find investors, and grow their initiatives. As a result, 80% of the initiatives remain active after participation, and 70% report that they have created new jobs.

The research also examines how designers are connected with stakeholders and decision-makers. This aims to achieve system change, positioning design as a central role within organizations and policy. WDCD facilitates these connections and works to raise the profile of designers across broader societal and economic contexts.

Additionally, impact is measured through a dedicated program, showing that not only winners but also non-winners gain confidence, become more motivated, and develop a clearer understanding of the societal relevance of their work.

These practical insights form the foundation for developing tools and methodologies to further strengthen and broadly apply the power of design in transitions.

€315,717 will be deployed as a PPP program allowance.