Conglomerado y Cámara de Diseño de Uruguay (CDU)
In 2013, Uruguay commissioned us to conduct a study on the implementation of public design policies in the country. Our approach was based on three areas: where we are, where we want to go, and how we will get there.
The first phase involved mapping the actors in Uruguay’s National Design System, studying the history of design in the country, interviewing design offices, schools, professionals, and companies, and conducting a diagnosis of the use of design in the industry.
With the data analysis, mapping and preliminary studies completed, we held a series of workshops to present the results and to collaboratively build a vision of the future —where design sector stakeholders, institutions, and the government would like to go.
Based on this vision and the already established goals, we analysed the strategies defined in the workshops to develop a set of recommendations for a public design policy in Uruguay. The final document contained 16 recommendations categorised as: Communicating the value of design for the country and Connecting stakeholders and resources to transform design into a contribution to the economy and society in Uruguay.
Uruguay can find opportunities in new and unique practices and create its own design identity, which is not only about what it designs, but also how it is designed.
Survey participant
Technical details
Research and recommendations: Darragh Murphy, Gisele Raulik
Research support: Sara Sanches