Service design and SMEs

The UK Design Council carried out a study with SMEs into attitudes to innovation and the use of design and innovation support services. The study concluded that SMEs do know about creativity, but often arent sure where or how it can be used in their business. Many aren’t confident that any investment will give them a satisfactory return. And many don’t know where to turn for advice on bringing creativity into their businesses.

At Engine, we’ve worked with development and delivery partners including the The UK Design Council, Design Wales and the
University of Central England to develop ways in which service design methods can be employed by SMEs. We’ve also worked directly with a number of SMEs as design mentors.

SMEs with visionary and energetic management teams are open to the creative, whole-business design approach that service design offers. Many of these companies can benefit quickly from new approaches to seeing how service contributes to their bottom line and from new ways of understanding their customers.