Designing for Social Innovation Brings about a Cocktail of Perspectives, Communities and Innovation to Give us the Most Effective Solutions
As the name suggests, design for social innovation (DSI) means creating innovative solutions for social problems through design thinking and social entrepreneurship. Accessible design and design for social innovation have one thing in common and that is creating solutions that are effective, sustainable and equitable. Problems are all around us but what matters is how we tackle them. These complex problems usually require the simplest of approaches; a collaborative and multidisciplinary one. It means working with communities, stakeholders, experts and everyone around you to develop solutions and implement change!
One of the key benefits of DSI is that it provides a framework for solving complex social problems. It encourages designers to think beyond traditional approaches and consider the broader social, economic, and environmental impacts of their work. This approach also emphasises the importance of co-creation, which involves working closely with communities to ensure that solutions are relevant, effective, and sustainable. Designers who do work in DSI need to have a deep understanding of social issues and the communities they are working with. They need to be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders and build trust and collaboration. Moreover, they also need to be able to think creatively and be open to new ideas and perspectives.
Integrating social innovation and interior design becomes a multifaceted concept that involves creating new ideas, products, and services that address social and environmental challenges. Interior designers are considering the impact of their designs on the environment, society, and the well-being of individuals. The goal of social innovation in interior design is to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable, inclusive, and healthy. As an approach, it would be done by tapping into human capacities and focusing on curating intuitive and innovative spaces that cater to the feelings of whosoever is in it! Sustainable interiors and décor are on the rise, the root cause for the same being…..greater good. Eco-friendly, low carbon footprint and the ability to recycle are driving factors of sustainable homes.
Socially innovative architecture on the other hand involves designing buildings and public spaces that not only meet the needs of their users but also address social issues such as inequality, accessibility, and sustainability. This approach considers the social context in which the building or space is situated, intending to improve the lives of individuals and communities.
The Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore exemplifies socially innovative architecture. The building prioritises the well-being of patients by maximising natural light and ventilation, incorporating rooftop gardens and green spaces, and making it easy to navigate. It also addresses social issues by incorporating universal design elements that make it accessible to all individuals, regardless of their age or ability. The Vertical Forest in Milan is another example of socially innovative architecture. The building features a vast number of trees and plants on its exterior, providing numerous environmental benefits such as reducing pollution and regulating temperature. Additionally, it provides affordable housing for low-income families, addressing issues of social inequality and offering access to green spaces in an urban environment.
What we as designers overlook is everything beyond the visual aesthetic and efficiency of our creations and solutions and that becomes the missed opportunity! Since time immemorial, initiatives have faltered because they have not considered the need of its user; the designer went into the project with a preconceived notion and came out with an end product which ends up being flawed. This is the real battle which comes into the picture in our consumerist society and that is exactly why we need designs for the greater good; for social innovation. To translate an idea into reality, is design in a nutshell and bringing social innovation to the mix, now everything being designed is being done to design better lives for you, me and all of us!
Accessible design is also a significant element of socially innovative designs especially since they cater to anyone and everyone; even people with disabilities. From wheelchair accessibility to tactile indicators to audible signals for people with visual or hearing impairments, there is a design for everyone. Approaching and embracing this new medium of design is crucial to move beyond conventional problem-solving and aligning with systemic solutions that cater to the mass. As a driving factor of change, this synthesis of design and social innovation also ends up promoting inclusivity and diversity which is the need of the hour.
Rooted in a powerful approach, DSI is a medium for bringing about a positive change in the society and addressing complex solutions.
As the industry continues to adapt and evolve, we can expect to see even more social innovation in interior design, as designers work to create spaces that are both functional and socially responsible. Improving the quality of life while creating new, vibrant spaces is the best of both worlds, isn’t it?
