Design for society

In Western societies there is a growing awareness that the current social-economic system is unsustainable and cannot provide us with solutions on the pressing problems of our time. These problems are social, economic and ecological by nature. The Western social and economic systems have to be redesigned. A New Economy is rising based on principles of sharing, connectivity, proportionality and localism. New business models are being developed in which there is room for multiple value creation. In recent years the design sector has been paying more attention to societal themes and issues. This has resulted in a Social Design movement. Specifically the design sector can play a role in changing the Western consumer orientated societies, as everything that has been touched by humans is designed. The argument of this research is based on a necessity for societal change and the role that designers can play in this. The research is aimed at finding answer to the question: Why are designers involved in social projects? Through qualitative research this research aims to gain understanding in the involvement of designers in social orientated projects. Within this research Social Design is seen as a result as well as a leading force in the search for an alternative socio-economic reality. Social Design is a design attitude, mentality or position that is applied in the design practice through methods that are social both in their means and in their ends. This research concludes that as a result of their intrinsic motivation to contribute to a better world these designers are able to balance social, economic and ecological values in Social Design practice. The Social Design practice is challenging but the opportunities that the New Economy provides will contribute to the further development of the design movement and its potential.