Beyond the blueprint: Adaptable Design Leadership for uncertain times
Setting the stage: Design Leadership in a time of transformation
Smart Design and the Institute of Design co-hosted an inspiring evening with leaders from Empathy and Murmur Ring. Our event, Design Leadership Amidst Rapid Change, brought together a room full of designers, strategists, and innovators to dive into how roles are shifting at the intersection of human experience, emerging tech, and a transforming global economy.
In a time of uncertainty, we explored how design can help navigate what’s ahead. As we charge forward in a hyper-digital era, we’re facing an innovation gap—an overload of information and tools, but a diminishing ability to process them in ways that foster meaningful connection, trust, and problem-solving. The panelists shared big ideas, practical tools, and global perspectives for leading with purpose; from advocating for real human needs in the age of AI to building strategy through empathy and imagination. The panel included Ashley Lukasik, Founder & CEO at Murmur Ring, Wayne Suiter Matamoros, Partner & Head of U.S. at Empathy, Richard Whitehall, Partner & Executive Director at Smart Design, with opening remarks from Anijo Mathew, Dean at Institute of Design (ID).
Keep reading for more in-depth takeaways from this insightful discussion!
Finding the balance between creativity, operations, and values
Today’s design leaders are expected to bring more than just a strong creative vision. While shaping inspiring work remains essential, leadership now also means alignment with business goals, connecting to complex organizational systems, and driving meaningful conversations around values and impact. The role has evolved—it’s not just about what we design, but how and why.
Business empathy is just as important as user empathy
One major theme? Designers need to empathize with the business, too. Related to the above, understanding what drives the bottom line internally or the business goals, pressures, and key performance indicators (KPIs) of your partners and clients makes it easier to align and collaborate. The more we understand the big picture, the more effectively we can advocate for meaningful, user-centered outcomes.
It’s time to prototype the future, not just repeat the past
We’re moving fast—technologies are evolving, markets are shifting, and expectations are changing. Rather than relying on what worked before, design leaders need to experiment, stay adaptable, and imagine new paths forward. It’s less about predicting the future and more about shaping it through iteration and intentionality.
Look south for new models of innovation
Innovation isn’t owned by any one part of the world. The panel spotlighted the Global South, countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, generally characterized as developing, as a rich source of creative, adaptive problem-solving—often born from necessity and resilience. In places where uncertainty is part of daily life, resourcefulness and community-based solutions lead the way.
Looking ahead: Where do we go from here?
As the world keeps shifting, design leadership is stepping up in powerful ways. Whether it’s redefining success, embedding values into strategy, or embracing uncertainty as fuel for innovation, designers have a unique opportunity to help organizations chart a more intentional, human path forward. Current and emerging design leaders should embrace this new expectation to find the balance between design and business needs. This moment is challenging—but it’s also full of potential.