The uncertainty that is always present in our lives – with our families, communities and around the world – whether that’s threats to our health, the environment or financial security can make plans or predictions seem almost pointless, and instil a lack of trust in politicians who over promise and under deliver.
It is by design, with the application of design skills, that we can deal with uncertainty and find our way out of, and prevent, crises. Good design is recognised in products and places, building and making things of use and beauty. Design equally applies to people and processes, both creative and functional in our response to good policy-making.
Citadel has worked closely with the Design Council over a long period, and more recently with the Design & Technology Association on its blueprint for design in education. How we think and learn creatively to innovate, make and deliver solutions to overcome seemingly intractable problems and create opportunities.
It’s an essential skills set for a government that promises ‘Change’ and in public affairs which shapes the political environment in which decisions are made.
We look no further than the Design Council principles of design to guide our work, supporting policy-makers and engaging public audiences, to secure the best start in life for young people and to build resilient communities.
Head: problem solving
Don’t jump straight to the solution, understand the problem first, and recognise you don’t have all the answers or ideas. Listen to the insights and expertise of those we are working with, understand the way things are now and engage with the wider circle of influencers.
Look at old problems through a different lens and the perspective of young people; be daring and original! Crucially see things through from plan to action, turning ideas into change, seeing things that don’t work as learning points while keeping your eyes on the goal.
Heart: passion and curiosity
Politics is about people, communities are built from relationships. This rises above populism that is trending in today’s politics. It belies the ‘strong man’ appeal that dominates the world stage with seeing appeal to a new, younger generation.
Rather, good policy-making requires deep empathy and an understanding of different perspectives, ethical implications and personal blind spots.
Starting with what is strong, not wrong, to build a coalition and relationships which connect the ideas to the motivation and energy that is already there. Whether a Prime Minister or a young person wanting to make a difference, it is your actions not just words that will trigger change for good and inspire the same in others.
Hand: practical application
To affect change and turn ideas into solutions, there are practical skills and technical abilities needed in any given scenario. By design and innovation we remove the barriers for those who know how to get on and deliver, helping make what is complex understandable to see where to act.
It’s a form of devolution with a shared vision and goals resourced by government, and communities empowered with their practical know-how to create opportunities with and for young people.
By design we can ensure democratic renewal, providing choice that is responsive to community needs. That requires all parts of head and hand, but especially the heart – passion and compassion to bring about change which improves life chances for all.
Citadel 