Design dictates the environment at every workplace, from the way a company carries out day-to-day business, to the look and feel of the environment, which all together can manifest mega-millions. And to some degree an investment in design can be a lottery. Anyone who really wants to win, “mega-millions” needs to play the game, i.e. invest in design. With design at the forefront of many “mega-million” companies, like Apple it’s only obvious to see that design is a critical component of success. Success, at the least, meaning a company meets a revenue goal or above or makes a profit. Design that is successful, is carried across to user experience, to being agile and playing the “Powerball” by incorporating design strategy. When design strategy works it’s seen by everyone, for example, Uber the ride sharing service. Design creates efficiency, on top of making things look pretty, it also delivers competitive advantage, increased productivity and “mega-millions” if you do it right.
Those doing it right are: Apple, Coca Cola, Ford, Herman-Miller, IBM, Intuit, Newell-Rubbermaid, Nike, Procter & Gamble, Starbucks, Starwood, Steelcase, Target, Walt Disney and Whirlpool.
These companies set out to get the mega-millions and won. The simplest of rules are don’t get distracted with the traditional strategies, look further out than the current trends (check out the Mike Stemple ICOSA article, he is a genius at this), customize each client and offer a collaborative strategy.
However, it is not always about monetarily winning, but about continued success. Making design your capital asset will keep your business on track to be or continue in success. Janette Sadik-Khan, NYC transportation commissioner works to design the city and the city streets. She spoke at TED about her work. The best advice can be taken from Khan, and the success of the astonishing Times Square design. Watch the video below to see NYC transform over the years to accommodate growth.
As half the year is now over, it’s time to start breaking out those projections and incorporating design strategies for next year.