Design-Led Frameworks for Systems Change: Strategies from the Ground

“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny,” 

These timeless words from Martin Luther King spell out the essence of systems change process- recognizing interdependence and designing for it.

When we think about creating impact in society, it is tempting to look for quick fixes like setting up a one-off vocational centre, a library or an internet cafe, without understanding the social context. Such efforts may not sustain in the long run for a variety fo reasons-  Lasting change requires listening to the community, addressing root causes, and designing solutions that strengthen local systems and capacities, so that people themselves can carry the change forward.  

As King reminds us, in complex systems no issue stands alone — inequality, unemployment, climate change, or social exclusion are all bound together in a web of interdependence. Social norms, cultural attitudes, family values, political climate, market forces and policies all interact together. Wearing a systemic lens helps us see how all the parts fit together, where the real root causes are, and which are the leverage points we can shift to create the biggest impact. That’s why we need to begin with the end in mind.

Usually, problem-solving follows a straight line: identify the problem, create a solution, roll it out. A design-led approach can be a powerful tool to flip the script. It starts with people at the center,  through a participatory and inquiry-driven approach.

How we approach Design-led Systems-work

At Niiti, we embed design-led thinking in every project.

In our recent Utthan project with Mumbai's hand embroidery artisans, we trained them on life skills, financial literacy and digital literacy, with the aim to improve their well-being, sense of dignity, and a stronger craft heritage for the artisans. We began by asking simple but powerful questions: How are artisans affected by current ways of working? What are their constraints and concerns? How can their voices guide the design of the intervention?

The design of the intervention was rooted in empathy and user-centric research. It surfaced artisans’ needs, motivations, and aspirations—and the program was iteratively adapted at every stage: from content and delivery formats to feedback mechanisms. This flexibility helped identify bottlenecks early, refine methods, and ensure the intervention stayed relevant. For instance, most trainees had low literacy levels, hence we had to improvise on the usual ppts and notes, and convert them into outcome-aligned activities, leveraging technology in the form of apps and smartphones for maximum engagement and retention. We custom curated a video playlist to serve as their refer point as and when they needed. 

Designing the intervention also required constant negotiation with diverse actors, such as global brands like LVMH and Kering, exporters, trainers, and artisans themselves, showing that systems change means engaging across the ecosystem. Because the intervention responded to artisans’ lived realities, it addressed multiple, interconnected challenges—financial, health, social, and professional dignity—acknowledging that change in one area affects others.

Finally, feedback loops were central. From quizzes and reflections to digital analytics, continuous assessment enabled the project to learn, adapt, and sustain impact. This feedback loop allowed for continuous improvement by understanding how interventions contributed to the overall system shifts- in this case, in the well-being and motivation of the karigars.

To conclude, design-led systemic change is not about applying pre-set solutions. It is about co-creating interventions that are flexible, inclusive, and evidence-driven—anchored in the realities of the communities we aim to serve. That is how change becomes lasting.