Exploring the Environmental and Social Value of Design: PDR’s Contribution to the Design Economy Study
The role of design in shaping a sustainable and equitable future is more crucial than ever. As the UK faces urgent challenges—including the climate crisis, social inequality, and economic transformation—the Design Council’s Design Economy research programme provides valuable insights into how design contributes to environmental and social value.
PDR was delighted to contribute to this latest study, The Environmental and Social Value of Design, which highlights the power of design in driving positive change. The research explores how designers are embedding environmental and social impact into their work, the challenges they face, and the opportunities for increasing the sector’s influence.
What We Did
As part of this research, we undertook a large-scale mixed-methods study, gathering insights from across the design sector. Our approach included:
- A survey of 1,068 designers across various sectors, providing quantitative insights into how design contributes to sustainability and social impact.
- 18 case studies based on in-depth interviews, illustrating real-world examples of design-led businesses that are embedding environmental and social value into their operations.
- Four co-design workshops, engaging 45 designers and stakeholders to delve deeper into the challenges and enablers of designing for social and environmental value.
Key Findings
The research uncovered some striking insights:
- Designers are committed to social and environmental impact. 66% of surveyed designers reported working on projects addressing environmental challenges, and 60% on projects with social impact.
- Barriers remain a challenge. Limited project budgets (41%), time constraints (37%), and regulatory barriers (36%) are preventing designers from maximizing their impact.
- Measuring impact is a major gap. Only 43% of designers consistently measure the environmental and social impact of their work, highlighting a need for better tools and frameworks.
- Green design skills are in demand, but many designers feel unprepared. While 71% anticipate growing demand for sustainability-focused design, only 43% feel confident they have the necessary skills.
Why This Matters
The findings of this study underscore the need for greater support, investment, and skills development in design for sustainability and social good. The report also provides actionable recommendations for designers, businesses, and policymakers to enhance the sector’s ability to create positive change.
At PDR, we are proud to have played a role in this research and remain committed to advancing the impact of design in addressing critical global challenges. We hope this study sparks conversations, informs policy, and inspires further action to harness the full potential of design for a better future.
Read full report here: Design Economy - Design Council
