Strategy

The Power of Strategy for Design: Drivers of Success for your Business

February 21, 2019

The Power of Strategy for Designers: Drivers of Success for your Business.

The importance of starting with the why-question before running makes projects more efficient and result in better outcomes. We share our insights and lessons learned.

In the design world, it's not just about making things look good. It's about making them work for you, your business, and most importantly, your customers. Here's a closer look at some key insights that are changing the game in design strategy, making sure every project not only shines but also delivers real value.

1. Listening Up: Crafting Solutions that Hit the Mark

The first step in a great design strategy? Listening. Really listening to what clients want, need, and dream about. This isn't about just ticking off boxes or nodding along. It's about diving deep into their goals, understanding their challenges, and then coming up with solutions that don't just meet but beat their expectations. When you start by listening, you end up with results that truly resonate.

2. Strategy First: Making Design Work for Your Business

Think of your business like a machine. Every part needs to work together smoothly for the whole thing to run well. Design is a big part of that machine. When you put strategy first, design becomes more than just decoration—it becomes a tool that helps every piece of your business work better. This approach turns your products or services into not just things people buy but key parts of your business strategy, driving growth and setting you apart from the competition.

3. Building a Design Ecosystem: A Place Where Innovation Grows

Now, imagine going beyond just a single project to create a whole world of design—a design ecosystem. This isn't just about one product or service; it's about creating a space where design connects everything, where ideas bounce around, grow, and get better. This kind of environment is where real innovation happens. It's about making design a part of your culture, so your business can adapt, thrive, and stay ahead of the game.

Close up of a Strategy Sprint and our interactive screen at our Amsterdam Office "The Garage".


Going Beyond the Basics: The Real Value of Strategic Design

What we've learned is that there's a huge difference between just using up hours to get a job done and starting with a solid strategy. In the past, some design consultancies would focus too much on the clock, not on the impact. They turn out to literally burn consultancy hours. But by kicking things off with a clear strategy, we make sure that every hour spent is an investment in bringing a client's vision to life, not just a step in the process.

Wrapping Up

Design is a big field, but the real magic happens when it's not just about looks but about action—about what design can do. By taking these insights to heart, businesses can start seeing design not as a cost but as a key asset. It's all about looking ahead, caring about your clients, and creating a space where good ideas can grow into great ones. This approach doesn't just make things look better; it makes them work better, driving innovation, building loyalty, and pushing growth. That's the power of design strategy: not just a way to make things pretty but a way to make them succeed.

Interested in what we can achieve for your organization? Get in contact now. We are always happy to help.

Change requires action.
Get in contact now
During office hours (Amsterdam, CET)
+31 20 854 33 64
get in contact now