Transformative Design Frames

Abstract

Sustainability transitions are inherently comprised of wicked problems, requiring new
systemic problem-solving approaches that transcend disciplinary boundaries. Design
framing is a practice that lies at the core of problem-solving, as it connects a specific problem
to a promising solution space. We contribute to transition design research by conceptualising
a transformative design frame. Anchored in the fields of design, sustainable behavioural
science, and transition studies, our transdisciplinary model is intended to support transition
designers in their reasoning and to inspire the development of novel frames to help
accelerate sustainability transitions. The model visually organises several building blocks of a
design frame: Transition Case, Transition Strategy, Systemic Levers, Behaviour Change, and
Worldview. To evaluate our model in various transition design contexts, we held review
sessions with three Dutch design agencies, followed by a framework analysis of their
responses. The results informed a revision of the model and demonstrated that the model
supports designers in building a stronger design rationale, which the designers expected to
benefit stakeholder alignment and mobilisation in transition contexts. After engaging with
the model, participants intended to adopt a more comprehensive and systematic framing
approach in future projects. To bring the model to a higher level of maturity, opportunities
for further research involve applying it in practice. As such, we can examine more thoroughly
how the model might support reframing and explore which combinations of its components
could be most transformative.