Reinventing the Wheel: Why Big Design Firms are Stuck in Their Ways
It’s easy to recognize the potential of novel, innovative design solutions. Unfortunately, many large design firms appear to continually operate within the same safe, traditional corridors of thought–which can mean a lack of creative design, problem solving, and risk-taking. In effect, they’re “reinventing the wheel”.
What’s holding these firms back? It can come down to a multitude of reasons, ranging from lack of experience, lack of leadership, fear of failing, or an organizational culture that simply doesn’t support experimentation and risk-taking.
For a big design firm to break through the quagmire of stagnation and create something unique and innovative, a few crucial changes must take place.
1. Leaders must encourage risk-taking
The most successful firms find that cultivating an innovative culture and giving their designers room to play and experiment is paramount.
2. Involve customers in the design process
Working closely with customers to understand their needs and wants can give design teams insight on how to develop new solutions, or reinvent existing ones.
3. Invest in techniques and technology
Staying on top of the latest design tools, technologies, and strategies can help design teams keep up with clients’ changing needs and goals.
4. Embrace collaboration and “thinking outside the box”
In today’s environment, the best solutions come from working together. Encouraging discourse from all levels of the firm can give rise to meaningful ideas that could revolutionize the design process.
