Leading by Design: Evolving Practices to Face the Challenges of Our Times

Abstract

This special issue asks: what models of leadership and organizational structure can best support design solutions for the complex social and environmental challenges of our time? The authors in this issue conceptualize design leadership as reflective and collaborative, where paradigm shifts toward human and planetary health are driven by collective action and deep understanding of interconnected systems. In this issue, the notion of a ‘leader’ refers not only to the select few at the top of a hierarchical organization, but also the latent potential in every designer to courageously envision and contribute to systems change.