Continuous Learning for Sustainable Change : DOGA’s Approach to Systemic Design for Business Innovation

Abstract

This master’s thesis explores the complexities of Norway’s innovation ecosystem, specifically focusing on the role of Design and Architecture Norway (DOGA) in promoting sustainable change through design-driven innovation. In an era characterised by rapid technological advancements and significant global challenges such as climate change, it becomes imperative to foster transformative innovations that are sustainable and holistic. The thesis investigates DOGA’s position within the Norwegian innovation ecosystem, emphasising the importance of early-stage intervention using systems thinking and system-oriented design methodologies. By leveraging tools such as the Double Diamond framework and DOGA’s Verdimodellen, the research examines how these methodologies facilitate knowledge transfer and support cross-silo collaboration within businesses. The key research questions delve into how systemic design methods can foster sustainable innovations, the impact of DOGA’s toolkit on promoting sustainable change, and the enhancement of design strategies through the integration of Verdimodellen. Through a combination of desktop research, observational studies, and semi-structured interviews, the thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of DOGA’s educational resources and their efficacy in realworld applications. The findings underscore the potential of design-driven innovation to bridge the divide between user-centric approaches and broader systemic change. This underscores the significance of integrating both user and planetary perspectives in fostering sustainable innovations. The thesis concludes with compelling recommendations for enhancing DOGA’s methodologies to better support the Norwegian innovation ecosystem, ensuring that future innovations make a positive impact on business, society, and the environment.