'Are designers the new social pioneers?'

'Nudged by design: How design can help shape public policy and what that means for design practice.' This is the fascinating subject of Cambridge Network's Open Meeting next week (Tuesday May 15th), featuring David Kester, who leads the Design Council’s national programmes and policies for industry, education and the public sector that strengthen competitiveness in the UK. He is an advocate, commentator and adviser on design for innovation and the built environment.

'Are designers the new social pioneers?'

Governments are seeking new ways to stimulate change.  Faced with spiraling costs of the state coupled, in the west, with mountains of debt, some politicians have turned to social sciences for clues.  They have sought alternatives to expensive top-down social policy.  Some central and local government agencies have worked with designers to gain behavioral insights and help shape policies involving business and the third sector.

David Kester, Chief Executive of the Design Council, will talk through projects on infection control in hospitals and crime reduction; draw out lessons for innovators and answer questions on design in policy.

The event takes place on Tuesday May 15th at The Hauser Forum, The Entrepreneurship Centre, 3 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge, CB3 0GT. Registration is from 6.00pm with the talk starting at 6.30pm lasting for approx 1 hour, including Q&A. There will be a networking drinks reception and light refreshments after the event, with an estimated end time of 9pm.

About David Kester
David’s current focus is on using design to stimulate economic renewal and includes coaching firms with high-growth potential including manufacturers, start-ups and technology ventures. Across Whitehall and at a local level, David is promoting new design-led approaches that turn social challenges into economic opportunity. For instance, the Design Bugs Out programme with frontline NHS staff, has matched the challenges of MRSA and c.Difficile to consortia of manufacturers and designers, resulting in innovative healthcare products and improved approaches to government procurement. Current project themes include dementia care, crime prevention, community cohesion, and preventative healthcare.

Find out more and book here.
 
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Further information: Dawn Nicholls
Telephone:     01223 341055
Email:    dawn.nicholls@cambridgenetwork.co.uk

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