There is a new study about the effectiveness of design commissioned bij the Association of Dutch Designers with some remarkable findings:
Emphasizing design, and including designers in new product development teams, contributes to new product success. Likewise, involving designers in developing web sites and corporate visual identity helps to improve firm image. Together, this translates to better firm performance. These are the main findings of research conducted in a large sample of Dutch firms from both manufacturing and service sectors.… Some of the positive effects of design are stronger if designers have a high level of freedom to explore concepts outside the scope of the project at hand. This suggests that, to improve performance, firms should look at giving designers greater freedom. Innovativeness in experiential and functional design also has a positive effect.
Download full report as PDF:
- Design Effectiveness – english
This report presents the findings of a large-scale survey-based research project funded by the BNO (Beroepsorganisatie Nederlandse Ontwerpers), the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Pictoright. The focus of the research is the contribution of design to business performance. The research was conducted by the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) in collaboration with the Delft University of Technology (TUD).
Some other research documents
- Red Dot design value http://www.red-dot-institute.com/49.html
- British design council http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/ This report shows clearly that businesses which invest in design out-perform their peers. http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/publications/Design-Index/
- BNO Dutch version of the study
Christof Zürn CREATIVE COMPANION www.creative-companion.com Download: CREATIVE COMPANION Fact sheet
A diverging and converging blog by Christof Zürn 