Design for change manifesto

This is a manifesto created by myself and fellow designer Karl Toomey. It’s come from chatting about play’s role within design. It’s a list of positions we are attempting to weave into our work as designers. Each point includes what we're moving away from and what we’re moving towards. The manifesto is a work-in-progress. If you think we’re on the right lines, become a signatory and help us shape it.

Users People

Design for the full richness and diversity of the human experience. Design for real people.

Control Trust

Design for exploration. See where others can take things. Make tools, not solutions. Invite interpretation and open-ended play.

Individualism The collective

Design to connect people, strengthen communities and dissolve barriers.

Ownership Openness

Design “with” not “for”. Share the design process and outputs so learning and impact is for everyone.

What is. What if?

Design to spark imaginations. Invite people to dream big. Help people explore exciting alternatives.

Convenience Change

Design to disrupt the status quo. See friction as an opportunity. Provoke new behaviours and attitudes.

Obedience Mischief

Design to prompt questions and defiance. Be the jester awakening people to urgent matters and to their own trickster spirit.

Consumption  Making

Design ‘things’ that enlarge people’s worlds, giving ways to be active creators and shapers. Give space to explore and awaken the maker in people.

Intentions  Action

Design it into reality. Make it real. Test it. See what it does. Inspire action in others. 

Perfection  Process

Design to understand. Everything is learning. There is no perfect finish line or final product.