Design experiments for a development organisation in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest

Abstract

In the midst of climate change, and the need to seek more sustainable ways of living, design is increasingly tackling problems at a societal level. This paper reflects on a strategic design project at a Brazilian foundation focused on sustainable development in the Amazon rainforest region. In this study, we asked what contributions design can bring to organisations involved in addressing development issues. The paper describes several experiments and strategies to make it tangible to non-designers how a design-led process unfolds and how design can support the organisation's efforts in delivering value to the communities they serve. The case study offers an example on how design practices combined with systemic approaches can spark increasing levels of collaboration across siloed departments.