How a rapid design-led intervention transformed small businesses in the North East of England and generated lasting impacts. This article is a high-level, non-academic summary of the following publication:
Bailey, M., Carrion-Weiss, J., Albaqali, B., Spencer, N., Hemstock, O., & Richardson, C. (2024). Design Facilitation: Mid-term impacts and outcomes of a design-led innovation readiness programme for micro-SMEs. Design & Innovation at a Crossroad. 24th DMI: Academic Design Management Conference, TU Delft, Netherlands, pp. 320-330. https://www.dmi.org/page/ADMC2024Proceedings
Background
In North East England, a unique innovation programme helped micro-SMEs (small businesses with fewer than 10 employees) think big. The Get Ready to Innovate (GRTI) programme, a 12-hour workshop spread over 4 to 6 weeks, and took a different approach to innovation. In this programme delivered with over 50 businesses in the North East, the sessions were not about product design or marketing. Instead, it was about redefining how businesses see themselves, make strategic decisions, and adapt for the future—all through design facilitation & rapid design-led interventions.
Design Facilitation: A New Way to Lead Change
Traditionally, design was about aesthetics: creating visually appealing objects and products. But design facilitation is about guiding groups through creative, collaborative processes. For GRTI, facilitators aren’t just teaching design; they’re fostering new ways of thinking. Through activities focused on brainstorming, questioning, and envisioning, participants learn to navigate their business challenges from a fresh perspective—one that’s adaptable, strategic, and future-focused.
Five Lasting Impacts of GRTI on Small Businesses
Two to five years after participating in GRTI, business owners reported five key transformations:
A New Mindset
Participants gained confidence and a proactive approach to opportunities. GRTI encouraged a “designerly” way of thinking, giving them the tools to approach challenges creatively and strategically.
Rediscovering Purpose
GRTI provided a rare moment for reflection. Business owners examined their values, aspirations, and organisational goals, often leading to a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.
Strategic Vision
Facilitators helped participants explore “what if” scenarios, leading to clearer strategies and action plans. This deeper understanding helped them see potential growth paths and establish milestones toward their ideal future.
Strategic Vision
With a clearer purpose and roadmap, participants felt empowered to make meaningful changes. From developing new products to fostering a more collaborative culture, GRTI inspired both tangible and cultural shifts within organisations.
Building Stronger Networks
Lasting connections between facilitators, peers, and other participants led to valuable mentorships, partnerships, and collaborative projects, creating a support network that extended far beyond the programme.
Adapting to Lasting Change
GRTI’s impact is significant, but like all growth, it requires support to sustain. The study suggests follow-up workshops, one-on-one sessions, and visual materials to help participants continue to engage and apply what they’ve learned over time. Additionally, the study highlighted that questions remain around how often these interventions should occur to support long-term changes.
Looking Forward
This study opens the door to more accessible and affordable approaches to design facilitation. What if employees as novice facilitators, with some guidance and training from expert facilitators, could create similar impacts in businesses? As we continue to explore how programs like GRTI drive real change, there’s potential to extend these benefits to more businesses, encouraging innovation from within.
GRTI as a rapid design-led intervention shows that even a short, intensive programme can inspire lasting transformation. For micro-SMEs, it’s a way to develop a “designerly” mindset, think bigger, and face the future with confidence.
To read the full article, click here & go to page 320.
Acknowledgements
A big thank you to the research & publication team at Northumbria University; Professor Mark Bailey, Dr Nicholas Spencer & Dr Ollie Hemstock for their work on this study alongside myself, Baraa Albaqali & Charlie Richardson. It's has been an incredible pleasure to work with you all these years.
#designinnovation #designledinnovation #designthinking #designfacilitation #rapiddesigninterventions
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