[IxD Theory] Design in organizations

Creativity takes many forms. Designers embody a form of creativity that can sometimes create tensions within an organization. What are the tensions and why do they exist? Drawing from what we understand about other flavors of creativity, how might we facilitate the integration of design creativity into organizations?

Designers can create tension in a number of ways, especially in organizations that are run more conservatively. The type of tension I will focus on for this topic is tension in leadership.

Traditionally, a "designer" is someone who can deliver tangible products; someone with craftsmanship and the ability to make. Increasingly, however, a designer is someone who has the ability and desire to get out from behind the screen and to solve larger more systematic problems. I think a tension exists because a majority of business leaders still see designers in the traditional sense and do not understand why it is important to integrate design creativity into their organization's leadership.

I think the first step is to understand what you can do and to find a job at an organization that is flexible and open to innovation. In my Business of Design class we have been learning about leaders who use design thinking and who solve problems creatively. This, plus our discussion in IxD Theory about different types of creative leaders has influenced me to believe that one of the most important things you can do is to be an influential leader yourself. Bring design into an organization by knowing that the best solutions come from multidisciplinary teams. Be open to change and iteration, and know it's okay to be wrong. And always be inclusive, accessible, and a champion of creative culture.