Design's Woes Are a Symptom of Larger Business Challenges

Part 1 of 3 exploring three levels of disruption from Design Team to Wider Sytems

Introduction:

In the first episode of this three-part series of Being Liminal, we begin at the team level, exploring why design often feels undervalued within organisations. We unpack how design’s challenges, from production-focused roles to mismatched values, reflect larger organisational struggles. If you’ve ever wondered why design sometimes feels like it’s stuck in a cycle of frustration, this episode is the perfect starting point.

Key Takeaways:

- Shifting Value of Design: Businesses are redefining the value of design, focusing more on production efficiency and less on strategic vision.

- Leadership Changes: High-profile design leaders are leaving traditional roles, signaling shifts in organisational priorities.

- Design as Part of the Production Chain: The integration of design into delivery models reflects a broader trend of aligning design efforts with measurable business outcomes.

- Value Communication Gaps: Misaligned language and expectations between design teams and other business functions, especially around Values and what constitutes Value - exacerbate challenges.

- A New Role for Designers: Designers must adapt by understanding business priorities and collaborating more effectively across disciplines.

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