Design growth: Using design to beat the downturn

Abstract

Purpose

The Design Council's National Survey of Firms 2008 has revealed that instead of retreating to safety and resorting to cutting costs, increasing numbers of UK firms are using design as a powerful tool to help combat the toughest economic conditions in decades.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

It found that more than half (54 percent) of UK businesses are planning to use design to help them survive the economic downturn, and that the number of firms who regarded design as integral to their operations had doubled in the past three years.

Practical implications

As well as looking at other findings from this research, this article includes two case studies that look at how investments in branding and product design have been key to boosting sales in difficult market conditions.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2009), "Design growth: Using design to beat the downturn", Strategic Direction, Vol. 25 No. 5, pp. 30-32. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540910952091