A Defining Moment for Design

We need one another more than ever, and there is real power in coordinating for the greater good. With this in mind, The Design Vanguard* is embarking on an effort to capture design’s response to the urgent and far-reaching needs of this moment.

We’ve already gathered 100 such projects and stories here: designvanguard.org/covid-19-design-directory. There are surely others being born every day–in design studios and on factory assembly lines, as well as at home office desks, kitchen tables, and basement workshops. We want to hear about them, to record them for history and future study, and to be proud together.

I believe that this moment will turn out to be one where design and creativity show their essential value. And I know I’m not alone. The resilience that comes from creative capacity will prove to be instrumental in transitioning society to its next phase–one where our vulnerabilities are more evident than before, but also where we understand our potential for positive response.

You can read more on my perspective on this defining moment for design on The Design Vanguard site here in addition to John Cary and Jocelyn Wyatt’s perspective on how we need to capture what is happening in service of progress and our values.

*The Design Vanguard is a community of the foremost creative leaders from the business, tech, and social sectors, leveraging our resources and influence in service of creating a more just, safe, and beautiful world. Find the Designer's Pledge here.