The core of the problem lies in the nature of the procurement process within the public sector. Most procurement officers are tasked with purchasing clearly defined products with predetermined outcomes and timelines. The design-oriented approach does not align well with this. Design thinking is iterative, flexible, and often, the results cannot be concretely predetermined. This makes it a difficult "product" for an often overburdened procurement officer who must navigate a vast array of rules, laws, and policies.
Designers and civil servants who still wish to work together often look for 'loopholes' in the hope that the project can later be scaled up in a more suitable manner. However, this poses a significant risk for the designer or design agency. Due to complex procurement rules, this next step often fails to materialize, resulting in the project losing its potential impact. Additionally, it's a missed opportunity to promote understanding and appreciation for a design thinking approach. The result? The demand for such an approach remains small, knowledge on how to effectively procure design remains limited, and thus, design thinking continues to be a niche service that is difficult to procure. With that the vicious cycle continues.
At Ink, we want to go beyond merely identifying problems — we are committed to designing solutions. The challenge ahead of us is to create an intervention that breaks this vicious cycle. We aim to do this by facilitating designers, civil servants, and procurement officers in establishing a fair, flexible, and appropriate collaboration that maximizes positive impact.
This is what we'll be working on in the coming period. You can find the solution here and at PONT once it's ready!
Read more about PONT here: https://www.depubliekeontwerppraktijk.nl/
