Design Research
is the foundation.
Be kind.
This website is a
live work in progress!
...most issues facing the world are not isolated, not static, and not clear; they are “systemic,” connected in networks of cause and effect, ever changing, and defined largely by one’s point of view.
Design Research
is different.
systems
thinking
life-centred
thinking
creative
thinking
critical
thinking
Suspend judgment when you see the word research. Design Research is different; let me explain.
Leveraging creative and critical thinking, a Design Research approach allows me to uncover insights that lead to new thinking and new ways of viewing a 'problem space'. Sometimes these insights are uncomfortable, sometimes game-changing, and always true to the individuals who generously share their experiences.
I ask questions others are afraid to ask, work with groups others find difficult or even impossible to reach, I dig deeper and go further than others are willing to go. I make new connections others miss, and translate complexity into useful and usable formats.
Design research, done well, can drive positive change.
It is not the reserve of a particular discipline, sector or practice. Design Research is a term used to describe a range of problem-identification and solution-finding practices (note, I did not say problem-solving). Beyond a broad set of expertise, I believe it is also a mindset; a way of thinking about, viewing, interacting with, and exploring the world. And, it is vital if we are to transform how we live.
Disciplines such as Service Design, UX, and Human-Centred Design are subsets of Design Research. The power of the holistic approach I use lies in a powerful combination of Critical Thinking, Systems Thinking, Creative Thinking, Life-Centred Thinking and empathy.
Design Research
for holistic sustainability
Design Research is a way of thinking about, viewing, interacting with, and exploring the world. With almost two decades of experience, I can tell you it is also a valuable set of expertise for transitioning us to a more sustainable, resilient, and regenerative world.
As a practice, this approach involves applying an unusual blend of creative and practical skills, with a level of academic rigour and systematic enquiry. In many cases, it is not taught per se, but acquired and assimilated over time. A Design Researcher is something you become.
As Design Researchers, we act as translators for people who represent different areas of expertise and interests (think diverse stakeholders with different invested interests). We are also facilitators of conversations, exploration processes, and co-created understanding.
Design Research adds value when talking about the unknown or something that hasn't happened yet (things we can not observe right now). It plays the role of interdisciplinary glue. It's good for thinking about how things can change, from where they are at the moment, to where we would like them to be, or for generating thought experiments to allow us to think about things we do or don't want to see.
Design Research allows us to think about change - what we want to change into, or don't want; it provides a set of practices and enables us to think through change processes and how they can happen.
Some describe design as improvised solution finding, something fundamental to being a human; the difference being, Design Researchers are often highly trained experts acting with intentionality.
As a professional Design Researcher myself, I have layers of multi-disciplinary training and experience that I can assimilate and apply.
Using a combination of Critical, Systems, Creative, and Life-Centred Thinking, I draw on a range of methodologies, processes, methods and toolkits. In particular, Co-Design, Circular Design, Life-Centred Design and Human-Centred Design.
how I add value
I help purpose-driven organisations—non-profits, social enterprises, and corporations—uncover deep insights to drive meaningful change. Through in-depth Design Research, stakeholder engagement, and impact storytelling, I support the process of making informed, regenerative, and people-centred decisions. Whether it’s understanding community needs, evaluating the impact of initiatives, or refining sustainability messaging, I deliver actionable insights that help organisations create a positive impact and stay true to their mission.
Consultation
Bespoke consultation to develop and implement actionable plans.
Helping purpose-driven organisations deeply understand the people and systems they serve, ensuring the solutions we co-create respect and support all forms of life.
Facilitation
Process and project-specific co-design and participatory design services.
Helping purpose-driven organisations deeply understand the people and systems they serve, ensuring the solutions we co-create respect and support all forms of life.
Fractional
Part-time or project-based strategic guidance on all matters ESG and CSR.
Helping purpose-driven organisations deeply understand the people and systems they serve, ensuring the solutions we co-create respect and support all forms of life.
Advisory
Strategic advice on the implementation of co-design & engagement processes.
Helping purpose-driven organisations deeply understand the people and systems they serve, ensuring the solutions we co-create respect and support all forms of life.
case studies
I am in the process of updating and migrating a number of case studies from my old website.
Watch this space (or contact me to discuss how I work and see examples).
