How it works

Dott Cornwall has turned the design process on its head by putting the end user first. By exploring and answering the needs of the people, we believe we've helped to start making Cornwall a better place in which to live, work and play.

Design decisions shape the products we use and the ways we live. Generations of designers have filled the world with an amazing array of products, buildings, transport and communication networks. And during 2010-2011, Dott Cornwall harnessed this pioneering spirit of creativity through projects that explored how design can help Cornwall. We tackled the issues that really matter, such as employment, community, transport, health and social care needs.

Dott Cornwall  enabled a diverse group of people to contribute ideas to the design process. The Dott methodology used a ‘bottom-up’ approach, encouraging both professionals and the public to share ideas and to have greater ownership of the solutions.

From the start of each project , the end-users were the focal point of the Dott process, working  together with clients and designers  to develop  design solutions. While the client put the goals and resources on the table and the designer brought creative expertise, it was the insight of the end-user that led to the creation of sustainable answers that have now become embedded in the community.

The Dott design process used the following stages; diagnosis, co-discovery; co-design; co-develop; co-deliver and legacy. Each stage developed and refined ideas towards a practical reality, where communities are still involved in the projects.

European research shows that 80% of the impact of any new product or service is determined in the design phase.

Our events over the past eighteen months have  included Intersections and The Cornwall Design Season amongst many others.

All our events have explored how design can improve our lives in meaningful ways, and accelerate Cornwall towards a better future.

Dott Cornwall worked with its strategic partners to tackle identified strategic priorities for Cornwall. Some Dott projects were co-financed by European convergence funding, which helps support economic regeneration, whilst others focused a range of broader needs for Cornwall, for example in education.

  Dott  has been succesful in leaving a legacy of  skills, shared knowledge and  great design that will bring about lasting benefits for the people of Cornwall.