Key Research Take-Aways

The Oregon, By  Design concept was developed after significant research of how design could foster economic prosperity for countries, states, and local communities. Through Design Wales, and other relationships locally and abroad, Hastings met face-to-face with design industry leaders in Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. He also attended the Service Design Network’s Global Conference in Cardiff, Wales. 

Here are some examples of what Hastings found about how design and design-thinking create economic opportunities in various countries:

Finland: Finland excels at integrating design education, industry, government support, and cultural identity. High-quality, market-savvy design enables Finland to compete on a global scale despite its small population and limited resources. The country has embraced a cultural and governance shift towards "doing more with less," leading to a strong international brand for its products and educational system.

Sweden: Sweden boasts one of the most sophisticated networks of design thinking, involving active collaboration between industry, commerce, and government. Sweden is internationally renowned for addressing challenges like industrial pollution and resource depletion through design, creating healthier lifestyles and sustainable solutions. Swedish design's focus on both process and quality products fuels a powerful export economy in services, systems, and goods. The Swedish Industrial Design Foundation (SVID) has played a key role in expanding the influence of design thinking across diverse sectors, including healthcare and tourism.

Denmark: Similar to Finland, Denmark has built an international reputation for design excellence that far surpasses its physical limitations. The country sets a global benchmark for design quality and has created a national brand supported by popular consensus. Design thinking is deeply integrated into Denmark's industries, commercial ventures, education, and environmental efforts. Denmark has found a balance between design quality and economic pragmatism, allowing them to export expertise and attract global attention to their approach.

Scotland: Architecture + Design Scotland (A+D/S) has shifted from focusing solely on design quality to becoming a convener of design thinking for the public good. One notable initiative is the Local Authority/Urban Design Forum (LAUDF), a network for urban design practitioners to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build resources. The forum, led by participants with support from A+D/S, meets twice a year and draws participation from a wide range of Scottish communities and local authorities. With support from national agencies and funding through A+D/S, this initiative echoes the principles of programs like Maurice Cox’s “Mayor’s Institute on Design” and serves as a model for collaborative urban design efforts.