Notes On Design that Makes an Impact

Design can ignite change—when wielded meaningfully.

‘Notes On’ is our new editorial series inviting our community to delve into a topic they believe is shaping Europe’s digital landscape.

In our third edition, we spoke with Mikkel Noe Westh, CEO and Co-Founder of Granyon—a renowned global agency dedicated to crafting impactful designs. He explored the industry-wide shift where designers are increasingly motivated to create work that carries purpose, alongside their desire to produce unique and engaging projects.

Read on for his take on the role design has to affect change and be a force for good in our global landscape.

By Mikkel Noe Westh

There’s a growing awareness among designers about how they use their time. Today, designers strive to create beautiful solutions that make a meaningful impact.

We’re witnessing a shift towards network-based organizations, where freelance designers have the freedom to choose projects that are both creatively fulfilling and purpose-driven.

At Granyon, our mission is to design a positive difference. This year, we’ve worked on impactful projects, including those focusing on transgender issues in the US and global free press. The latter has become especially crucial since COVID, as the press worldwide struggles to sustain independent journalism, particularly in countries where democracy is under threat. Our role as designers is more vital than ever. We excel in evoking emotions, influencing behavior, and driving action. With our solutions reaching millions across Europe, we have significant power to effect change. By harnessing this power, we can guide our clients and create solutions that promote good.

The rise of awards like The Anthem Awards highlights a growing focus in our industry on using design to address and solve important issues beyond just boosting sales. It’s inspiring to see new designers entering the field with higher ambitions, demanding that their work serves a greater purpose.

 

Summer Grace for The Lovie Awards Closes 13th Sep.

If you’re working on digital projects with local and global impact, you have one last chance to enter your work in our Beyond Categories!

An open-format merit, Beyond Categories is dedicated to recognising European digital projects with the potential to impact global society positively—from Art, Culture & Heritage to Business & Enterprise, Partnership or Collaboration, Climate & Sustainability and more. Discover where your work might fit across our dedicated honours for human-centric work.

Enter before our Summer Grace closes on Friday, 13 September!