Transformations: 7 Roles to Drive Change by Design

Tracking how design has changed in previous book Design Transitions has inevitably led the authors to explore how organisations are changing using design. Design is now the key driver of innovation and change within organisations across the globe. It is therefore important to learn how, when and why to use design to drive change in your organisation.

Transformations documents how design is being used to support change across different organisations, countries and sectors, sharing the stories of experts in their fields at varying stages of their transformative journeys. The authors present seven roles for change that are used to influence the development of products and services, the shape of the organisation itself and, most importantly, their ability to embrace change. These seven roles can transform organisations to be more innovative, human-centered and resilient: Cultural Catalyst; Framework Maker; Humaniser; Power Broker; Friendly Challenger; Technology Enabler and Community Builder.

Well-documented case studies offer readers insight into how design strategies can be successfully activated in different types of organisation. The seven roles offer both designers and non-designers a common language and framework to support design-driven transformation. Transformations, in the right hands, is a potent tool to understand, shape and implement design-driven change.

JOYCE YEE, PhD is a design researcher, author and designer. She is currently an Associate Professor at the UK's Northumbria University's Design School teaching interaction, service and innovation approaches across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In 2013 she published 'Design Transitions', a book about how design practices are changing. She has over 15 years working experience in a wide range of academic and professional environments as a user researcher and as an interaction and service designer. Joyce's research is focused on the value, role and impact of design in organisational contexts.

EMMA JEFFERIES, PhD is a business coach and service designer, and is the co-author of the book 'Design Transitions' (BIS, 2013). She holds a PhD in design and is part of the Design Thinkers Group. Her natural habitat is out in the wild, working with global innovation teams, consultancies and governments in South America, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Emma helps organisations become more productive by facilitating people in working together to reveal a core purpose, daily practices and a vision. She is currently working with a UK government department creating empathy practices.

KAMIL MICHLEWSKI, PhD is a brand strategy and innovation consultant, author and speaker. Kamil was awarded a PhD on the subject of design and business in 2006. Over the last 10 years he has been helping blue-chip clients such as Electronic Arts, Marriott, Nestle, Sony, and Visa with challenges ranging from category growth and brand positioning to human-centred innovation. In 2015 Kamil published a book titled 'Design Attitude', which explores the nuances of design in the context of innovation and organisational cultures.

The authoring team has successfully published Design Transitions in October 2013. The authors individually have established research publication on design methods, tools and social practices of designers. Joyce and Emma have worked successfully together on a previous research project.