How to leverage design to inspire change

Source: Photo by Benjamin Løzninger

As the Design Lead of the Innovation Cell in the Policy and Mediation Division of the UN’s Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), I am well aware that the role of design extends far beyond creating attractive visuals and colorful reports. After decades of a career in the private sector working with big brands, joining the UN was an exciting, inspiring and challenging adventure. Design has the power to transform organizations, systems, and societies. Design can drive innovation, enhance collaboration, and ultimately reshape organizations, such as the UN.

Here is what I have learnt:

Solving Problems and Inspiring Change Together

Design is often associated with aesthetics and visual appeal, but its true power lies in the ability to solve problems and drive meaningful change. Design thinking can empower organizations to develop solutions that directly address the needs and aspirations of their diverse stakeholders. Whether it involves crafting engaging communication materials for public outreach by the UN, reimagining physical spaces in grey office buildings for enhanced collaboration, creating an Augmented Reality (AR) peace poster series for the UN’s 75th anniversary, or developing intuitive digital platforms such as the UN’s social media monitoring tool Sparrow, design can enhance our ability to engage, inform, and inspire action.

Source: AR Peace Posters Contest 2021, https://futuringpeace.org/project/augmented-reality-peace-posters (Photos by Benjamin Løzninger)

Design has the power to shape not only external experiences but also the internal environment. By infusing thoughtful design into the workplace, we can create spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and inspiration. When our surroundings reflect our values and aspirations, it encourages us to strive for excellence and make a meaningful impact. Design not only enhances productivity and efficiency but also contributes to our overall happiness and well-being.

A good example of such a transformative design journey is the renovation of our office space at the UN in New York City. We changed a corner area filled with old cubicle desks into a modern conference room made of glass, creating a warm, inspiring and motivating atmosphere. We included a digital white board that provides a versatile tool for generating ideas, taking virtual calls together, while the vibrant neon sign reminds us of the purpose of innovation. By using decals featuring geometric shapes, we introduced a fresh branding concept that plays with the word “peace” and shields brainstorming sessions from outside distractions. (Source: Photo by Benjamin Løzninger)

Continuity and Heritage

The UN headquarters building features a rich heritage built upon years of culture, diplomacy, and international cooperation. It curates some of the world’s most amazing pieces of art and design, and the UN Secretariat building itself was literally conceived by some of the most eminent architects at the time. However, in a rapidly changing world, the UN must adapt and evolve while preserving its core values. Design can play a vital role in bridging the gap between tradition and modernity and by infusing elements of the UN’s heritage into contemporary design solutions, the organization can establish a visual and experiential continuity that resonates with both seasoned diplomats and younger generations. This approach honors the past while embracing the future, ensuring the UN remains relevant and accessible to all. And sometimes it just starts by repurposing existing furniture and transforming it into a functional and relevant object again.

Another example here is how we created our own cabinet for Virtual Reality (VR) gear. During the pandemic, we repurposed an old dusty metal closet, once occupying a corridor and filled up with outdated folders and documents. Through the addition of wheels, handles, a fresh coat of paint, and decals inspired by the historical wallpaper of the Security Council, it was reborn as a place for our modern VR equipment. This simple, yet innovative creation now serves as a dedicated space to showcase, store, and charge VR headsets during our immersive experience presentations. It also shows the continuity of the UN culture since its creation. (Source: Photo by Benjamin Løzninger)

Challenges and the Path Forward

After four years working at the UN, I have learned a lot about the challenges of implementing design-driven initiatives in a large, bureaucratic organization. Navigating the levels of approval, coordinating diverse stakeholders, and overcoming resistance to change requires perseverance and adaptability. However, by cultivating a culture of collaboration, fostering interdisciplinary partnerships, and promoting design literacy across the organization, the UN can unlock innovation through the transformative potential of design.

Here is a last example of our spatial transformation journey that includes the creation of an innovative mural design inspired by the wall-art throughout UN headquarters. We transformed the plain and unattractive wall into a captivating work of art, adding color, texture, and vibrancy to the surroundings. Overall, its role extends beyond mere decoration but aims to inspire, engage, and challenge the social workplace. (Source: Video by Benjamin Løzninger)

Conclusion

My commitment and creative experimentation at the UN have reinforced my belief in the transformative power of design. Design extends far beyond aesthetics; it possesses the remarkable ability to become a driving force for change and pathway to innovation. I believe that design can help shape a more effective and impactful United Nations, both from within and for the world it serves.

About the author: Benjamin Løzninger is the Design lead of the DPPA Innovation Cell. He is a visual artist, art director, graphic designer, photographer, musician-singer-producer, director and illustrator.

“Futuring Peace” is an online magazine published by the Innovation Cell of the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA). We explore cross-cutting approaches to conflict prevention, peacemaking and peacebuilding for a more peaceful future worldwide.