Design methodologies are gaining importance in providing new innovative solutions to welfare services. With growing ratios of elderly people, the need for innovative services is increasing. In order for service providers to remain competitive and meet the ever-growing demand for new solutions to social needs, the design of services should draw on design processes and methodologies giving the design discipline an immaterial form.

In 2008, a smart public-private partnership evolved in the Central Denmark Region, where the public sector has engaged private companies in identifying and solving needs for social care among disabled people. The companies were involved at an early stage, and developed (together with the Central DK region) new tools and products for disabled people. In addition, the public-private partnership is developing tools which will ease the involvement of disabled people in a user-driven innovation process. The Danish Government has provided support with funds of approximately 800.000 EUR from the Danish programme for user-driven innovation. Some results are expected in 2009.

Source: http://www.ebst.dk/brugerdreveninnovation.dk/