Growing design expertise to lead social change

Our impact

Our students range from chief executives of small and big charities, to staff working in transformation and innovation teams, and sector leaders across the public sector. Students use the course to deepen their design practice and apply it to complex social challenges. All of our learners developed a mastery of service design methods and grew their confidence in leading and facilitating service design work. Some used the course as a stepping stone into a service design career, while others used it to grow leadership skills, get promoted or take on more complex and ambitious projects.

The programme

Our curriculum was created by designers, for designers working in complex social change. We covered a range of design methods and thinking, as well as building confidence and leadership skills. 

The design academy was delivered by Innovation Unit’s service design team – global leaders in applying service design methods to create social impact at scale. For over a decade, our team has been developing its practice, building expertise in methods that blend design thinking, system change and service design.

Learners were welcomed into our design studio and built a year-long relationship with members of our team. This included coaching and mentoring, as well as access ‘behind the scenes’ to some of Innovation Unit’s live projects with partners across the NHS, local government and large VCSE organisations.

Time commitment

The programme runs from September to June and includes weekly sessions and workshops, accompanied by one-to-one coaching, design projects and group activities. Most learning was done virtually, as our learners were based in different parts of the UK. A small number of in-person masterclasses were held throughout the year.

The programme culminates in a three-month, self-initiated project for a real client organisation on a pro-bono basis. The depth and length of the programme ensures that skills and knowledge are not only learned, but applied in a way that aligns with each individual’s interests and preferences.

Accreditation

The programme was developed in collaboration with the Service Design Network, an international body that provides accreditation to service design practitioners. Graduates receive a Service Design Practitioner certification, as well as a two-year membership of the Service Design Network, including access to its publications and networks.

Who joins the academy?

The academy was designed for researchers, project managers and consultants who wished to become service designers, as well as for managers, commissioners and emerging leaders in public and third sector organisations interested in using design thinking to grow their impact.