Design for All in the Age of Twin Transition: How creativity drives sustainable digital innovation in SMEs
In times of climate change, economic uncertainty and rapid technological progress, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are under increasing pressure. Sustainability requirements are becoming stricter, digital technologies are developing rapidly, and traditional business models are faltering. The solution? Not one, but two simultaneous transformations: the so-called Twin Transition– so the connection of Digitalization and sustainability– supported by a human-centered, co-creative approach calledDesign for All.
What does twin transition mean?
The “Twin Transition” describes thissimultaneous transformation towards sustainability and digitalization– two megatrends that are shaping our future. Instead of looking at them in isolation, they are connected together to create more efficient, environmentally friendly and resilient business models.
According to studies by Fraunhofer and the European Commission, companies benefit from implementing the Twin Transition through, among other things:
- Saving resources, energy and costs through digitally optimized processes
- Competitiveness through sustainable products and services
- Access to new markets that demand environmental sustainability
- Minimize risk through better management of ESG risks
- Positive brand image and higher customer loyalty
The potential is great – but many SMEs ask themselves: Where should we start? And: How do we find solutions that really suit us?
Fig.: The “Twin Transition Innovation Lab”© Dr. Sylke Lützenkirchen, Future Center KI NRW
Das “Twin Transition Innovation Lab”
This is where it setsTwin Transition Innovation Lab(TTIL) – an applied research model that was developed and tested as part of the Future Center. The TTIL offersa structured, creative and participatory frameworkto discover operational sustainability potential and develop digital solutions together with employees.
What makes this model special is the focus on the employees. Because: Transformation only succeeds with the people in the company. In the TTIL, employees from different areas – so-calledDomain knowledge holders– actively involved in the innovation process. You know best the everyday challenges, weak points and potential for improvement.
The TTIL consists of three phases:
1.Problem space : The participants identify concrete “pain points” in everyday work as well as desired improvements “gains”.
2.Knowledge enrichment: Practical, understandable introductions to topics such as digitalization, AI and sustainability prepare employees for the next phase.
3.Solution space: In creative group processes, tailor-made solution ideas are created that are prioritized according to feasibility and benefits.
This creates practical approaches – from AI-supported resource planning to sustainable process solutions – developed by and for employees.
Design for All – design for everyone
At the heart of the TTIL is the conceptDesign for All. It requires products, systems and servicesusable by as many people as possible right from the startcan be designed – without subsequent adjustment.
In the Twin Transition this means: New digital sustainability solutions should not only function technically, but also be suitable for everyday use, understandable and helpful for all users in the company. This is the only way they can really be effective.
The early inclusion of different perspectives – even from non-technical people – creates realistic, accepted solutions. At the same time, resistance to change is reduced, motivation is strengthened and a common understanding of innovation is built.
Applied design research in practice
The TTIL is an example ofApplied design researchi.e. gaining scientific knowledge through practical design. With creative methods likeBrainwriting, Pain-Gain-Analysenand iterative development loops, sustainable solutions are created that make economic, ecological and human sense at the same time.
Employees benefit twice: they not only actively design digital applications, but also learnnew skillsin dealing with digitalization, sustainability and creative methods.
Why this is relevant
The Twin Transition is not a luxury, but a strategic must. But it only succeeds if companies actively involve their workforce – through creativity, participation and meaningful design.
TheTwin Transition Innovation Labshows how SMEs can get started using simple means: low-threshold, practical and team-oriented. This not only creates better solutions, but also a common understanding of digital sustainability – a benefit for companies, employees and society.
Interested in a specific application or an introduction to the Twin Transition Innovation Lab method?I look forward to exchanges, comments and inquiries – please send me a direct email: sylke.luetzenkirchen@fernuni-hagen.de
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