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Social Design.A Win-Win

Social Design

A Win-Win

Before the summer break, I wanted to share the content we at U-ak produce on the topic of social design, a space I usually use only for product promotion and exhibitions.

I've been working on this social approach, in one way or another, since 2017, and it's one of the fundamental pillars of my work, both in product development and in design training and teaching.

In 2012, I read this phrase on a design blog: "With great power comes great responsibility." That phrase was followed by this reflection: "We designers are not superheroes. We don't shoot webs or fly over buildings, but as design professionals, we have the power, and therefore the responsibility, to help design a better world." And at that moment, that phrase changed the meaning of the work I was doing, and I began to research it.

But what is social design? Trying to come up with a single definition is very complex, and I would almost say impossible. There are many types of problems that can be solved through design, and many types of social projects behind them. We live in an increasingly globalized world, with complex social problems that cross borders and impact identities. Therefore, it is essential to promote citizen participation and collaboration between authorities, organizations, the community, and designers in order to drive true social change.

Trying to give an approximate definition, I could say that it involves using design as a strategic instrument. Designers can use it as a catalyst for social change, involving users in collaborative design processes, transforming abstract ideas into models or systems, or improving the quality of services, products, and people.

All of this generates a more balanced society, seeking to generate opportunities for all. These opportunities contribute to improving the education of all people, improving their working conditions, and generating a more just and collaborative economy. Ultimately, they generate resources and opportunities to improve the quality of life and resources.

From a product design perspective, for me, it's about generating products with value, with extra added value, through the creative and collaborative processes behind each piece and the people who create them. Value is given to people, their work, the products or services they offer, and to the public's conscious consumption.

For designers to be a positive force in society, our design work must be socially and morally responsible. Designers have a great responsibility for the consequences of what we design on society. These consequences include economic, social, and environmental impact.

The creation of new platforms for communication, interaction, exchange, and development are the foundations of "social design." Its interventions aim to foster social debate and problem-solving, and, in turn, provide us with new spaces and tools, as well as different ways of approaching problem-solving.

The synergies created through these types of programs lead to professional, social, and collective growth, with a positive impact on all stakeholders. These programs are increasingly necessary in a reality and in times fraught with conflict and inequality.