Prefácio: Inovação & Design

The changes and uncertainties of the contemporary world have made us accustomed to speed, instability, and the fleeting nature of things. We live in a post-industrial society but are still surrounded by organizations and institutions that retain remnants of industrialism. This creates a gap between individuals with new ways of thinking and organizations that continue to operate under industrial-era logic. This presents a significant opportunity for innovation: the chance for people to actively engage in the design of solutions to their everyday problems.

This book demystifies the idea of innovation being solely linked to technology and design being restricted to products and visual communication. Human-centered design represents a paradigm shift in the concept of innovation, emphasizing its social aspects and moving towards Sociotechnical Innovation, a deeper concept that is shaping recent innovations. Torres also highlights that design is no longer an activity for specialists alone but seeks to integrate the knowledge of all those who can contribute to the development and implementation of solutions. This marks a significant shift in the designer's role, as they transition from being the sole creator to becoming the manager of ideas developed collectively.

Text presents a Sociotechnical Innovation Design Model, the result of over four years of research. The model is not meant to be definitive but rather flexible, mutable, and in a constant state of "work in progress." Its purpose is to facilitate the planning, designing, implementation, and scaling of impactful solutions for people, rather than focusing solely on products aimed at economic or financial outcomes. The author also demonstrates the practical application of this model through agile workshops conducted in Italy and Brazil, seeking solutions aligned with contemporary thought and the innovation concept discussed throughout the book.