Design Business Council > How to explain the measurable impact of design

Learn how to explain the measurable impact of design

A half day workshop to help designers learn evidence-based design practices and measure design impact.

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This workshop is for creative business owners who:

are struggling to justify higher fees,

need to prove impact to win strategic work, and

have mastered craft skills but need strategic capabilities.

designer-with-blue-glasses

Measuring design impact

Stuck doing great design work but struggling to charge what you’re worth?

This workshop will demonstrate how to measure and prove design’s impact on business outcomes. We’ll share practical frameworks to demonstrate your value beyond craft and aesthetics, and how to identify and track relevant metrics that demonstrate design’s effect on user experience, business performance, and brand value.

Learn how to gather evidence, build compelling case studies, and confidently communicate design’s ROI to decision-makers.

These skills will help you shift from being seen as a supplier to becoming a strategic partner. No more competing on price alone.

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What’s involved …

Learn how to measure design impact

We’ll help you develop frameworks and processes to measure, track and communicate design’s impact on business outcomes

Define impact metrics

Learn to identify and track relevant metrics that demonstrate design’s effect on user experience, business performance, and brand value.

Build your own measurement systems

Create processes to gather both qualitative and quantitative data that proves design impact.

Document outcomes

Develop clear methods to capture and communicate design’s contribution to business success.

Implement Frameworks

Apply proven frameworks like the Design Ladder and Balanced Scorecard to systematically measure design impact.

Write compelling case studies

Build compelling case studies that demonstrate the tangible value of your design work.

Learn how to present results

Learn to effectively communicate design impact to stakeholders and clients.

One-hour followup session

A session to help overcome any challenges in implementation and help maintain momentum.

Firstly I wanted to thank you for guiding us in the new direction. Since our last session, things have just exploded with opportunities laser focussed around our pillar. I still am stunned at how well aligned this direction is with the portfolio we had and the number of opportunities that were just ahead of us. Clarity is everything isn’t it?

Managing Director , Branding Agency Perth

What you’ll walk away with…

  • Measurement tools
    Practical frameworks and templates to track design’s impact across multiple dimensions.

  • Impact documentation
    Methods to capture and present evidence of design’s business value.

  • ROI Frameworks
    Systems to calculate and demonstrate return on design investment

Book a call

 

Yesterday’s session was again very informative, the analytical approach to pricing and other business practices helps evolve a more coherent picture of our holistic operation. I have always found discussions with Carol and Greg to be grounded in a simple, consistent logic that is easy for SMEs to adopt and adapt. Your genuine love for design and the industry as a whole is more than apparent, I look forward to continuing our relationship.

Adam O’Neill, General Manager

This workshop is perfect for ...

Creative business owners and leaders

  • struggling to justify higher fees

  • want to move beyond aesthetic value discussions

  • need to prove impact to win strategic work

  • currently stuck in transactional relationships

Mid-career design professionals

  • with craft skills but need strategic capabilities

  • wanting to speak confidently about design’s business impact

  • ready to take on more strategic roles.

  • need tools to measure and communicate their value.

In-house design teams

  • needing to justify design investment internally

  • wanting stronger influence within their organization

  • competing with other departments for resources

  • who should demonstrate design’s contribution to business goals.

dreaming-of-the-perfect-client

Why Design Business Council?

Because we spent over 30 years running design studios and 10+ years mentoring creative business owners, so we know what it’s like to be questioned about the ‘value’ of design.

That’s precisely why we no longer speak about value – value is subjective. It’s in the eye of the beholder whereas impact is measurable.

In 2023 we conducted self-led research into measuring design impact then workshopped our findings with 20 design leaders. The result was a business whitepaper.

This half day workshop captures and shares the insights of all these leaders.

    Book a call

    This workshop is perfect for creative business owners struggling to prove their value beyond aesthetics.

    This workshop is perfect for designers who want to move from transactional relationships to strategic partnerships.

    This workshop is perfect for in-house design teams wanting to better demonstrate design’s value within an organisation and build stronger cases for design investment.

     

    This workshop is perfect for mid-career designers experienced in craft but wanting to strengthen their strategic capabilities and learn how to measure design’s business impact.

    The investment of
    $5,000 +GST includes


    a pre-workshop assessment to ensure you’ll get the most from the activity.


    the half-day workshop in your studio with as many of your team as you like.


    a bespoke workshop specific to your interests, skillset and pillars of excellence.


    a one-month follow-up session to answer any of those niggling questions.


    the frameworks, the tools and knowledge to implement what you’ve learnt.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Here's some answers to questions we think you might be asking... got another? Just email.

    How is design impact different to design value?

    Value is a subjective measurement and fees will always be tethered by a client’s value judgement. Impact is qualitatively and quantitatively measurable.

    Doesn't measuring design detract from it's creativity?

    On the contrary. Using frameworks and tools to ‘prove’ the impact good design can have takes gives clients more confidence in the creative process. That confidence equates to better timelines and expanded budgets.

    How quickly will I see results?

    We’re realistic – we know it typically takes 6-9 months from first contact to landing your first strategic project.
    We also know the sooner you start changing your approach, the sooner you’ll see results.

    What should I expect at the end of this workshop?

    You’ll leave with practical tools to identify design-mature clients, frameworks to demonstrate design’s business impact, and a clear roadmap for your next steps.

    How should I prepare for the workshop?

    We’ll send you a questionnaire about your current clients and pricing structure. This helps us customise the workshop to your specific situation.
    We’re happy to sign an NDA

    Where is the workshop held?

    We deliver this workshop at your studio, making it easier to discuss real challenges in your actual environment. While we’re based in Victoria, we regularly travel to other Australian states. Let’s discuss timing that works for your team.

    Will there be ongoing support?

    Yes – we include a one-hour follow-up session one month after the workshop to keep you on track and answer any questions that come up as you implement the strategies and you’ll have our email addresses, so we’re never far away.
    Longer term, we offer workshops in aligned skills and ad-hoc issued based mentoring.