Design-as-practice and museums

The role of design in museums has expanded, reflecting a shift toward strategic, human-centred approaches that enhance visitor experiences, foster collaboration, and support digital transformation. In this chapter, the authors, Marco Mason and Vince Dziekan, propose that the true value of design thinking extends beyond tools and methods when human-centred design is integrated into organisational culture as a mindset that enhances visitor engagement, supports collective problem-solving and innovation, and is used to build capacity for long-term digital adaption. In the face of evolving technosocial expectations, human-centred design can help institutions navigate complexity and develop strategies that reinforce creativity (by fostering problem-framing, co-creation, and experimentation), build resilience, and promote inclusive collaboration. By prioritising visitor experiences and integrating design into decision-making, museums move beyond technology-driven approaches that meet immediate needs to embrace more sustainable, socially engaged practices. This chapter emphasises design-as-practice, highlighting design’s social dimensions and iterative nature. By fostering resilience and embracing experimentation, the authors describe how design practices enable museums to sustain themselves in an evolving postdigital landscape. They posit that human-centred values must remain at the core of systemic change, ensuring museums remain responsive and relevant in a digital age.