How do you choose what to work on?

Design touches on so many different disciplines and factors. We knew we wanted to work directly with people as much as possible. Human-centric design has always been a big part of our approach.

We decided to do what we normally do. Ask people questions so we can find out what’s what.

Over a period of months (ongoing still - so if you’d like to chat say hello) we asked random people in different industries and walks of life if they would allow us buy them a coffee in exchange for a chat.

One of the best things about this is that people are generous with their time, observations and expertise. Most even paid for the coffee. Everyone we spoke to was keen to help, to offer advice and insight into what they were working on and the challenges they faced. The headway they were making. What they were proud of.

The amount of projects, initiatives, events, and small and large communities that emerged amazed us - once you stop and look past the negative headlines there really is a lot of energy and positivity focussed on causes that make an impact on people’s lives.

A pattern began emerging. Several overlapping themes begin to repeat. Sustainability and wellbeing are enormously important, from a personal and workplace perspective. Arts, culture and all the micro areas within that ecosystem spark a lot of innovation and momentum.

And lastly, every single person we spoke to championed the positive merits of community. Humans have strived for connection since time began, but the speed of modern life has impacted our ability to maintain it. A strong community contains the building blocks for getting things done, a sense of place for where to do it, and an intrinsic sense of pleasure at having achieved it. As a collective.

Designers have an opportunity to play an active role in all of these areas. The cross-domain knowledge and multiple industries we’ve worked in has granted us a unique perspective. We know that co-designing with people moves a fuzzy idea from imagination to reality.

So whether you are grassroots or global, one or many, from Cork or elsewhere, if your project or goal touches on the arts, the planet, wellbeing or community, we would love to help you get things done.