CSR and design have a lot in common.
CSR: no introduction needed… The important thing to remember is that CSR has become a fundamental element of our society, of our decade. What are the similarities between Corporate Social Responsibility and design? What can design bring to businesses in search of progress? CSR and design have a lot in common. They are both human centric and aim to create products, services, or spaces that are both useful and sustainable. They are also both based on the idea of continuous improvement and innovation.
CSR and design have a lot in common.
CSR: no introduction needed… The important thing to remember is that CSR has become a fundamental element of our society, of our decade. What are the similarities between Corporate Social Responsibility and design? What can design bring to businesses in search of progress? CSR and design have a lot in common. They are both human centric and aim to create products, services, or spaces that are both useful and sustainable. They are also both based on the idea of continuous improvement and innovation.
The big question we’re going to ask ourselves is how CSR and design can join forces to create a positive impact on society, consumers and businesses themselves? Because one thing is certain: nowadays, not having a CSR approach is a danger for brands!
CSR encourages companies to take societal dimensions into account, pushing designers to design products and services that contribute to the well-being of consumers while minimizing their impact on the environment. Ultimately, CSR is a guide for us -designers- to create solutions that genuinely meet citizens’ needs.
Today, society and its citizens have asked brands to assert themselves and get involved. Society has the power to act!
————– Julia BEYNET, Branding Director at CBA.
Inclusivity for a more diverse society
There are several types of design and ways to approach CSR. Let’s start with what touches us most: inclusivity for a more diverse society.
Design emphasizes inclusivity, recognizing the diversity of individuals. Brands are now required to consider the needs of people with disabilities, minorities, and marginalized populations. Such an approach allows to create products and services that are accessible to all, thus promoting a more equitable and harmonious society. To achieve such a result, it’s essential for all companies to involve all their stakeholders in the CSR process. Employees, and stakeholders more broadly, have expectations and needs that companies must listen to and consider. It is thanks to this active listening of stakeholders that brands will develop and imagine relevant and sustainable solutions.
Involve all their stakeholders : Cora's exemple.
Involve all their stakeholders : Cora's exemple.
For instance, let’s take Cora, the brand has reviewed its entire internal strategy. To carry out this project, the company has built, hand in hand, the fundamentals of its brand with more than 20,000 employees. A guarantee of well-being in the workplace, listening and collective approach.
For instance, let’s take Cora, the brand has reviewed its entire internal strategy. To carry out this project, the company has built, hand in hand, the fundamentals of its brand with more than 20,000 employees. A guarantee of well-being in the workplace, listening and collective approach.
Human is not the only aspect of CSR.
More and more companies are adopting a circular economy approach, aiming to reduce waste and optimize resource’s use. Design plays an essential role in eco-design, creating sustainable, repairable, and recyclable products while contributing to protect the environment and encourage responsible consumption. This can also lead us to talk about ethics, which questions the social and emotional impact of the products and services designed, which encourages businesses to adopt practices that respect human rights, diversity, inclusion, and equity.
To illustrate this point, let’s talk about Né d’une seule Ferme (new J’achète fermier), the brand has been able to tackle he needle by offering a fair, responsible product that meets the growing and constant demand of consumers to consume locally. In addition, the brand has also listened to the expectations and needs of farmers/producers by allowing them to regain control over their income!
To illustrate this point, let’s talk about Né d’une seule Ferme (new J’achète fermier), the brand has been able to tackle he needle by offering a fair, responsible product that meets the growing and constant demand of consumers to consume locally. In addition, the brand has also listened to the expectations and needs of farmers/producers by allowing them to regain control over their income!
By combining CSR, design, innovation, and progress, brands can adopt a holistic approach that puts humans and the planet at the center of their concerns. This combination offers opportunities to create innovative and sustainable solutions, meeting the needs of citizens while contributing to a better world. By placing CSR at the heart of their strategies, brands can become actors of change, shaping a more responsible and environmentally friendly future.
Designers are here to support this evolution. So yes, we’re not perfect and that’s not the point! No! The goal in a CSR approach is to progress, and to progress together!
