The crossroad between designer and client beliefs in community driven work allows for a collaboration of not only good design but also social advancements through design. Through my research endeavors and participation in extra circular design events it is clear designers have the power to achieve these goals in time, however the process can be streamlined with good support and strong networking. I have also learned that all designers have goals to make a difference through their work either on a professional level or personal level. Through cultural and social investigations I have learned the process of becoming a social designer. During this time it has also become clear that educating society on the power of a clear message is a key component to the process of completing a community based project. In that sense all designers become Design Educators sharing the process of creativity and design thinking with each person they work with.
In the world of social design there is not on an on/off switch but rather the goal to work with personal passion for each project and client. In an interview Lauren Boynton was asked how she defines confidence Boynton states: “when you have developed a point of view of your own over a period of time that is so engrained that even if you are wrong or you do fail, it doesn’t matter and you have no regrets. That is the ultimate state of confidence” (Boynton, 2013).
Although there are vast status differences between the designer and the community client in many cases, it is the experience of designing that brings us all together. Social and economic differences may not be understood at the start of a project, but through creative development and problem solving design thinking helps to create a universal conversation.
The final thesis project, which became the Well Baby Toolkit, has become a project of passion and assurance. This project and the challenging undertakings have given me confidence to continue on my social design path. In the future I look forward to seeing where the Well Baby Toolkit goes. It is my hope that the project and research inspires other designers to take on this type of work in their own career.