Impact through design
That design accelerates innovation and helps organisations move forward is reflected in successful collaborations between designers and businesses, as well as in the stories of start-ups and established organisations sharing practical experiences, insights and lessons learned. Together, designers and entrepreneurs show how design contributes to entrepreneurship, growth and earning potential: impact through design.
In this publication, both start-ups and grown-ups share concrete experiences, insights and lessons learned. For Jos Oberdorf, owner of the renowned agency npk design, the true value of design lies in systematically solving complex challenges and creating both economic and societal impact. Hester van Dijk of Pretty Plastic explains how design research into circular plastics grew into a successful start-up. Alain Dujardin of Greenberry shows how digital and social design come together in inclusive, purpose-driven entrepreneurship. A series of ‘Good to know’ boxes share key facts and figures, including data on the economic value of design. We also highlight how Vattenfall and Secrid create impact by putting design to work, and we share a selection of initiatives worth keeping an eye on.
How Design Works at DDW
How do you connect the design field with the business world? That question took centre stage during the How Design Works talk show at Natlab in Eindhoven, as part of Dutch Design Week 2025. Six speakers shared when design truly works, and how it can drive innovation, help organisations move forward and realise societal change.
The talk show marked the starting point. This publication brings those insights together in a broader perspective, enriched with additional examples, new voices and figures that further underline the value and impact of design
In the publication
– How Design Works | When design truly works
– Secrid | Design as a driving force
– Vattenfall | Upcycled turbines
– npk design | Impact through systems thinking
– Greenberry | Designing for impact
– Pretty Plastic | Scaling up in the construction sector
– RVO | Services that help increase impact
– Keep an eye on these | Design Development Eindhoven, Textiellab Tilburg and Un/School
– Plus: facts & figures on the impact of design in the ‘Good to know’ boxes.
How Design Works is available to download below. For more publications and design research downloads, visit this page.
