Design with purpose: transforming communities through social engagement

Abstract

Graphic design has historically been associated with visual communication and persuasion in commercial contexts, yet its role in social transformation remains an evolving field of study. This article examines the impact of graphic design in social engagement projects based on the experiences of designers who have led initiatives aimed at addressing community issues. The study aims to evaluate the tangible changes generated by graphic design in various communities and assess how this field fosters civic participation through collaborative processes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating semi-structured interviews with designers and surveys conducted with citizens involved in social design projects. The findings reveal that graphic design not only contributes to aesthetic and communicative terms but also facilitates processes of identity construction, social cohesion, and community empowerment. Additionally, the study identifies key challenges designers face in this area, such as the lack of institutional recognition and the need for more structured participatory methodologies. The study concludes that graphic design, when integrated with social participation strategies, has the potential to generate significant community transformations. However, its effectiveness depends on interdisciplinary collaboration and the active comzmitment of all stakeholders involved.