Why a Procurement Guide for a Design-Based Approach?
Government organizations increasingly use design to address social challenges in innovative and user-centered ways. Designers bring a fresh perspective, engage various stakeholders, and help explore tangible solutions.
However, in practice, things often get stuck. Procurement regulations are designed for predictable services with strict requirements and clearly defined end results. This conflicts with the nature of design, where iteration and co-creation are essential. The result? Design projects are often watered down or altered to fit within the rules—losing their real potential.
Research Approach
To develop this guide, we conducted in-depth research into procurement practices. We held interviews with designers, civil servants, and procurement experts to identify both challenges and solutions.
Interestingly, concrete examples of failed procurement processes were rare. Not because everything runs smoothly, but because creative workarounds are often used to enable collaboration despite restrictive rules. A common workaround is splitting projects into smaller contracts to bypass complex tender procedures. While this works in the short term, it prevents large-scale design integration and discourages procurement teams from improving their processes.
Key Takeaways from the Design-Based Procurement Guide
1. Choosing the Right Procurement Procedure
Design can be procured in different ways depending on the complexity of the challenge. The guide includes a decision tree to help select the best procedure and build a strong collaboration. Suitable procedures mentioned in the guide include:
2. Crafting a Strong Design Brief
Many procurement failures stem from an unclear project brief. A design-driven process requires openness and flexibility, starting with a well-defined question. The guide provides practical tips, such as:
3. Structuring the Procurement Process to Support a Design-Based Approach
A design-based approach involves experimenting, testing, and adjusting. This can be done within the strict rules of public procurement. For example, using a phased approach with interim evaluations and adjustments. The guide includes expert advice on innovative procurement strategies.
The Next Step: Embedding Design in Government
Successfully procuring design-driven projects requires more than just the right procedures. It also involves a cultural shift—a government that recognizes design as a valuable strategy and procurement teams that understand how to facilitate it effectively.
With this procurement guide, we aim to take an important step toward this goal. When procurement and design are aligned, we can create real impact.
Curious about the full guide and ready to get started? Download it here.
