Building Rapport and Inclusiveness

As a global network of teams operating in so many different local and international contexts, we are lucky to be able to tap into a wide range of observations and reflections on how our practice and impact keep evolving. Understanding how our work with clients and partners is gradually changing in a world where so much is in transition is an important part of our ‘reflective learning practice’.

Collaboration and learning are central to our work. A key part of growing is identifying our own skill gaps, which often surface in interactions with colleagues or clients and can trigger an internal, physical response of unease. In a recent Reach School session, we discussed these signals and the need to redesign learning models, especially with the rise of AI. We emphasised that human qualities like passion and listening are our crucial differentiation. By consciously acknowledging our limitations and taking action to address them, we can make a meaningful impact through our work. Addressing skill gaps is a powerful way to make a positive impact. By being aware of our limitations, accepting them and taking deliberate action, we can Make meaningful work together.

In our network, we encourage everyone to bring forward topics they find important for discussion. Recently, three studios from India, the Netherlands, and Mexico collaborated to invite us to reflect on the decolonization of design. This conversation is particularly relevant to our practice as design researchers.