Communication Design Within Social Innovation

Abstract

The present article deals with the contribution of communication design in social innovation processes. Based upon a literature review on design for social innovation, it focuses on two distinct areas: social innovation and communication design, identifying some strategic points in the process of social innovation where design may make its contribution. Design for social innovation is an area currently in expansion, applying design project methodology and its particular methods to initiatives which try to find innovative solutions to all kinds of community problems. As the world and the problems that need to be addressed are becoming more complex, social innovation seems to be a viable alternative in exploring new solutions that embed collaborative and participatory ways to foster change. The paper also aims to list the specific needs of these processes that can be met by communication design, especially when considered as a comprehensive and evolving area, regarding the scope and the artifacts it originates. When applied to social innovation initiatives, communication design can take advantage of its unique capabilities to strengthen and expand them.