A multi-disciplinary team led by the architects of Elemental design a radical new typology of social housing that is able to grow over time, both in size and in value. We see how they practice strategic design, discovering along the way that:

A realistic look at the status quo can inspire new design solutions that address higher-order challenges

Participatory processes should be carefully designed not to make promises that are too big to keep

Savvy engagement with the media is useful to generate political capital necessary to launch an unconventional design

A group of designers at the Royal College of Art in London work with the DePuy company to develop completely new surgical instruments. We see how they practice strategic design, discovering along the way that:

Innovations carry risk, but so too does the status quo

Expert users are sometimes blinded to the necessity of innovation by virtue of their highly developed coping skills

The design process helps surface discrete risks for better analysis and decision making

Mindset change is part and parcel to technical innovation

A group of designers in Bangalore, India create a social enterprise that offers products and services to enable citizens to deal with their own household waste. We see how they practice strategic design, discovering along the way that:

Redefining the boundaries of the problem uncovers opportunities for innovation

Communications and education are integral aspects of the work of a social enterprises

Local sourcing and an iterative design method enable rapid innovation