With the downturn in the economy, design budgets are sure to be cut. But, as clients contemplate how to reinvent their organizations and their business models to survive, designers from all disciplines can provide just the kind of strategic counsel that is most valuable. Ontario’s Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC) will be communicating this message to decision-makers in a new strategic initiative we are calling “Design for Tough Times.” To strengthen the message, DIAC is collecting stories and anecdotes that demonstrate how design can help clients in all sectors, not only to survive, but also to profit even in recessionary times.
Call for Stories
Do you have a story to tell about how you helped a client to save money, rethink the business, develop more cost-effective products and services, implement sustainable business practices — or just stay in business? DIAC would like to help clients to understand that designers provide strategic solutions to tough problems such as: downsizing, cost-cutting, rethinking core business opportunities, rationalizing product lines, reaching new customers, developing more effective and cost-efficient branding and communications strategies, and creating more energy-efficient buildings, offices and retail spaces.
DIAC will collect submissions and develop the strongest stories into case studies. These cases will be shared in future research reports, articles and seminars as part of our 2009 “Design for Tough Times” research initiative. DIAC is seeking clearly articulated examples that have yielded demonstrable results.
Requirements include a brief description (up to 200 words, no images please) of your project. The deadline for submission is January 9, 2009.
For more information, please contact Arlene Gould, Strategic Director, Design Industry Advisory Committee, at arlenegld@gmail.com.