Designing Participatory Actions for Sustainable Transition

Sustainable transition requires design as a pivotal tool to navigate the complexities of contemporary challenges. This chapter examines how design serves as a lever for systemic change, emphasizing the interplay between participatory processes, individual competencies, organizational culture, and the broader ecosystem. Drawing on insights from the ECODeCK project, it explores how design-driven approaches can facilitate transitions toward circular and sustainable practices. The chapter explores the evolution from nurturing individual skills within organisations to fostering an organisational mindset capable of navigating and responding to complex ecosystem dynamics. Furthermore, it illustrates the importance of participatory processes in engaging diverse stakeholders, enabling co-creation, and driving innovation. It emphasises the role of deciphering ecosystems – understanding the interconnections and interdependencies within them – to identify opportunities for transformative change. This chapter positions design as a catalyst for adaptive and inclusive practices, demonstrating its potential to empower individuals and organisations alike to address sustainability challenges.