Title: Design for social value: using design to improve the impact of CSR

Authors: Youngok Choi; Jea Hoo Na; Andrew Walters; Busayawan Lam; John Boult; Patrick W. Jordan; Stephen Green

Addresses: Department of Design, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK ' Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University, R1.07 Righton Building, Cavendish Street, Manchester, M15 6BG, UK ' PDR, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YB, UK ' Department of Design, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK ' Department of Design, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK ' Design Engineering and Maths, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, Hendon, London NW4 4BT, UK ' Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK

Abstract: This paper discusses the meaning of social value from the design perspective, especially in corporate social responsibility practices, and the contextual issues and values derived from design, considering how companies could better use design for social value creation. The research identified consumer attitudes to corporate social value and where companies are perceived to have generated social value, and explored where design has contributed to such social value. The research illustrates that design has great potential to add value to the triple bottom line, mostly related directly to organisations, but also to areas relating to society, including the 'lower levels of environmental degradation' and 'more solutions for social issues', indicating design plays an influential role in creating socially responsible products/services. However, this research suggests that a clear definition of 'social value' from various perspectives and its relationship with CSR is required due to the complex and subjective nature of 'social value'.

Keywords: design; design value; social value; social value of design; design impact; CSR practices.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2018.092818

Journal of Design Research, 2018 Vol.16 No.2, pp.155 - 174

Received: 27 Sep 2017
Accepted: 07 Mar 2018
Published online: 29 Jun 2018 *

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