Have you ever been curious about where service design comes from? What it is? Why it relates to so many other fields so well? Or why it makes just so much sense?

With so much growing interest in the Service Design discipline, our DC chapter summer event, focused on introducing the roots of Service Design.

The DC Service Design Chapter’s summer event in August was Service Design Roots. It set out to discuss where service design comes from, what it is, why it relates to so many fields, and why it makes sense to use. John Gray Parker, a Service Designer from Booz Allen, led a discussion that spanned service design history, background and theory; from Lynn Shostack and Birgit Mager, to Patti Moore and Service dominant logic. The group intersected with questions, thoughts, and critiques, as we engaged in a very meaningful dialogue about what service design is, what it's primary influences are and have been, as well as where it is going. A few questions that stirred up conversation were; “Is Service Design replacing market research?” and “Should Service Design incorporate quantitative research?” The group explored each question for a short time, but the group consensus was these questions could be explored and debated for hours. We all look forward to mulling these over in future meetings. 

The second half of the evening was led by Jamie Bowerman, a Service Design lead at Booz Allen, who facilitated an interactive workshop exploring the acceptance of chaos, shifting perspective, empathy building, and the ideation of a new service. Participants went through the activities in small groups of 4-5 allowing for great opportunity to intimately connect with fellow creatives and get a taste of what Service Design is, the basic tools involved, and how it proves to be a valuable methodology for service innovation.

This was the first part of a 3 part series. We have planned follow up events that discuss the intersections of Service Design with UX and CX, so stay tuned!



Related Headlines

SDN Chapters Service Design Global Conference 2023 - Register now

Service Design Global Conference 2023 - Register now

Register for the Service Design Global Conference 2023 and attend its 16th edition in Berlin or online!

Continue reading
SDN Chapters Touchpoint Vol. 14 No. 2 Call for Papers | Redefining Value Creation: Deadline Extended

Touchpoint Vol. 14 No. 2 Call for Papers | Redefining Value Creation: Deadline Extended

Touchpoint – The Journal of Service Design provides a window into the discussion of service design, facilitating a forum to debate, share and advance the field and its practices. In addition, it aims at engaging clients to listen in on the discussion, learn about the field, and become involved in the development and implementation of service design for their organisations.

Continue reading
SDN Chapters Touchpoint Vol. 14 No.1 The Employee Journey is out!

Touchpoint Vol. 14 No.1 The Employee Journey is out!

As we learn in this issue of Touchpoint, organisations large and small are applying the same rigour - and many of the same tools and techniques used to focus on customers - to make sure that employees perform at their best, and are fulfilled in their work. And it’s become a natural domain of service designers, who are taking on this challenge around the globe.

Continue reading
SDN Global News Touchpoint  Vol. 14 No.1 The Employee Journey | Roundtable

Touchpoint Vol. 14 No.1 The Employee Journey | Roundtable

As we learn in this issue of Touchpoint, organisations large and small are applying the same rigour - and many of the same tools and techniques used to focus on customers - to make sure that employees perform at their best, and are fulfilled in their work. And it’s become a natural domain of service designers, who are taking on this challenge around the globe.

Continue reading