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"The client was brave to go with something so edgy..."

Jonathan Sands on the real-life impact of design

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Whatever the challenge your organisation is facing, there’s a design solution. Design can help everyone from small businesses to schools transform what they do.  
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Oleifera

What’s in a name? A group of farmers in Northumberland discovered that when it came to naming their produce, it paid to work with designers and make the name part of their product’s success rather than a reason for its failure.

Before Rape seed fields
After Oleifera bottled rape seed oil
Problem Response Result
Farmers producing a healthy cooking oil admitted they didn't know how to make it appeal to their target market A new name, bottle, label and promotional material needed to be designed on a limited budget Sales exceeded forecasts by 145% and the oil achieved listings in major multiples

Manchester Art Gallery

A visitor to an art gallery isn’t always met by big white spaces and an obvious route round the exhibits. Back in 2003, Manchester Art Gallery knew its customers sometimes found getting past the building’s historic stone exterior to be a disorientating experience.

Result
34% more visitors came in to the gallery in 2006-07 than the year before
After OPTAC

OPTAC

Designing a product to replace a much-used analogue device with a modern digital equivalent is one thing. Designing it for a group of people with limited IT skills, who don’t want, but have, to make the change, requires a whole new approach.

Problem Response Result
A much-used manual device had to be replaced with a digital product to meet legal requirements User research told designers to keep the product simple and robust A 971% sales increase and a 45% reduction in manufacturing costs
Before Sketch of the Guinness Storehouse and Gravity Bar, Dublin, by Imagination and RKD
After Guinness Storehouse and Gravity Bar, Dublin, by Imagination and RKD

Guinness

In 1996 the owners of one of the world’s most famous drinks brands began to think about a small project to update its visitor centre. Five years later, the Guinness Storehouse was born

Problem Response Result
Visitor centre struggles to cope with more than double the number of visitors it was originally designed for Guinness decides to revamp the centre and employs Imagination to drive the direction of the design The Guinness Storehouse - a complete brand experience with training centre, company archive, bars, restaurants and gallery space - is voted Ireland’s number one visitor attraction
After Nusa Kitchen limited edition soup packs

Nusa Kitchen

Limited financial resources needn’t limit creativity levels. London-based lunch time soup seller, Nusa Kitchen found this out when it embarked on a two-fold marketing drive to remind customers about its core brand values and drive sales in late 2006.

Problem Response Result
Soup sales tailed off during the Christmas season at London based manufacturer and retailer Nusa Kitchen A new design for its soup pots focused on the home made, natural goodness of the company's food Knitted soup sleeves became collectors items and Nusa Kitchen sold 25% more soup

Harrison Fisher

Sheffield-based Harrison Fisher were facing a growing threat from cut-price competitors in the Far East before it redesigned its brand, products and packaging.

After Redesigned IF4000 knife and Chantry sharpener designed by Sam Hecht for Harrison Fisher
Result
Sales increased by over £800,000
Before Traditional metal peeler
After

OXO Good Grips

OXO International was established by Sam Farber in 1989 to develop the Good Grips range of comfortable, easy-to-use kitchen utensils. Today, OXO International manufactures over 500 innovative products and has brought the principles of universal design to the global marketplace.

Problem Response Result
Why can’t kitchen utensils be designed to be easy to use by people with arthritis? Extensive user research and innovative design create comfortable tools for all Sales increase by 50% year on year
Design for public services

Design for public services

We interact with public services like the NHS or mobile libraries almost everyday but they can be the cause of some major frustrations. Design can help public services work better for their customers, whether that's diabetes patients in Bolton or people who want to post stuff in Belgium. Browse these case studies of public sector innovation to find out how design methods could help you work...

Problem Response Result
Public services don't always keep the users in mind Design tools can get to the bottom of what people really want Happier patients, healthier people, more innovative procurement

Rapha

Rapha uses design to translate a passion for the sport of cycle racing into understated, high performance products - and to create a brand that appeals to dedicated, enthusiastic customers

After Cyclist wearing Rapha clothing
Result
Growth from start-up to a £900,000 business in less than three years
Challs design
Serious** design

Design for business

Challs products didn't stand out on shelf. Serious** needed to stop competitors mimicking its logo. Harrison Fisher needed to fight back against overseas competition. Whether they were small, medium or large, manufacturing, farming or waste management companies, these case studies showcase design that has made business sense. Browse these stories of pack, brand, product and sustainable...

Problem Response Result
What's the point in businesses spending on design? Design tools like brainstorming, prototyping and user-testing can make products and services more saleable Product, graphic, brand or service designs make businesses more effective and profitable

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