Themes we explore

Design and creative research are powerful tools for tackling complex, deeply rooted challenges related to environmental challenges. At Reach, we know that effective change requires a deep understanding of interconnected systems and an interdisciplinary approach. Our teams, with their unique ability to connect diverse knowledge, are equipped to address these 'wicked problems' by visualising and re-imagining their broader impact. Over time this approach has shifted our focus towards creating healthier environments—not just for ourselves, but for all species.

Through our collective efforts, we’re seeing how design and creative research can play a pivotal role in global change, offering innovative solutions that connect local realities with global environmental crises. By working at both local and global levels, it highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing the climate crisis and challenging harmful value systems. Our aim is to inspire organisations and practitioners, to engage in work that prioritises the planet’s well-being while navigating the complex landscape of environmental challenges.

Many of today’s challenges are not problems that need solutions, but patterns of relationship and behaviour that must shift to achieve equitable and sustainable ways of life. These social challenges require tools and methods beyond those of technical or product innovation. At Reach, we’ve seen how practitioners around the world are blending creativity, strategy, and methods of broad participation in the uncertain work of social change. Collective action and co-creative collaboration are at the heart of these efforts, empowering the wisdom of local communities and embracing differing points of view. We invite organizations to explore how these approaches can work in their own context.

Creating inclusive and holistic care systems that address the full range of human experiences is essential. At Reach, we focus on understanding the intricate connections between lifestyle, health, and aging to design services that support both individuals and their caregivers. By opening up thoughtful conversations on sensitive topics like mental health, ageing and death, we transform these moments into meaningful opportunities for healing and reflection. Through our global network of partners, we've led innovative projects that ensure care services are culturally sensitive, responsive, and supportive of well-being across every stage of life. We're here to help organisations navigate these complexities and reimagine care systems that truly meet the needs of those they serve.

Our everyday lives are constantly transforming, not in the least due to the rapidly changing landscape of technology. From early personal ecosystems of mobile devices to the rise of AI and Machine Learning, much of our work focuses on connecting the dots between the needs of people and organisations, ensuring that new product-service systems are smart, relevant and user-centered across various sectors.As technology advances, we also recognise the trade-offs. While increased efficiency is important, it shouldn't come at the cost of personal meaning or human connection. Our goal is to foster a future where technology serves a deeper purpose, enhancing experiences while maintaining the human touch. Through this work, we aim to create an environment where innovation meets intention, balancing progress with what matters most to people and organisations.

Driving meaningful change requires more than just new products and services—it demands a deep connection to contemporary lifestyles and a thoughtful, human-centred approach. We work closely with organisations to co-create solutions that enhance the human experience, using culturally relevant tools and methods. By aligning offerings with real-world needs, we help organisations better connect with their audiences and adapt to shifting societal expectations.

We know that change also comes with resistance that may surface during the process, whether it stems from cultural norms or personal habits. Design and creative research can help to not only navigate but also embrace these challenges. By identifying and addressing subtle forms of resistance that emerge during collaboration, we co-create alternatives that deliver more impactful, innovative solutions. We’ve learned that emotional resilience, adaptability, and, at times, a playful approach are key to overcoming these hurdles, ensuring that the design process remains flexible and forward-thinking.

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Design and creative research have the potential to transform workplaces by looking beyond productivity and focusing on the deeper significance of work. We believe that understanding how people interact with products and services globally is essential to uncovering unmet needs and shaping future designs. Our goal is to align these insights with the growing desire for meaning in the workplace, where the production of knowledge often takes precedence over tangible outputs.In our work with clients, we explore the psychological shifts that occur when individuals move from routine tasks to more reflective, workshop-like settings. By fostering self-reflection, we help organisations cultivate environments that prioritise care and meaningful outcomes. It highlights the importance of creating workplace cultures that not only value productivity but also nurture character development and authentic engagement. Our aim is to inspire workplaces that are purpose-driven, where meaningful work leads to lasting, positive change for both individuals and the organisation.

Language, culture, and locality are powerful forces shaping how we communicate, innovate, and design. We’ve seen firsthand how digital tools and interfaces are influencing language use across different social groups, creating new dynamics and opportunities. Yet, as the world becomes more interconnected, we believe in shifting the dominant paradigm of centralisation toward a more decentralised approach—one that embraces a ‘return to local.’

Our work highlights the importance of community-driven outcomes in addressing today’s global challenges. By tapping into the wisdom of local knowledge and decentralised systems, we aim to build a more sustainable, resilient future that prioritises human well-being, nature, and the planet.

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Speculative design and design fiction are transformative approaches that empower communities to drive meaningful change, especially in the face of daily challenges. We understand that envisioning a better future requires courage, vision, and a healthy dose of imagination. This method engages individuals who may struggle to look beyond their current difficulties, encouraging inventive thinking and fostering collective problem-solving. Drawing on our experiences from diverse global contexts, we highlight how design fiction and speculative design can reshape challenges in peri-urban and rural settings. By inviting community members to become co-solutioneers in the design process, we demonstrate the power of collaborative narrative-building. This not only sparks innovative ideas but also provokes essential discussions about our shared future.