Introduction
Dezignexperts is a multinational design consultancy headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, that offers strategic design services to businesses across a range of industries, including technology, consumer goods, and finance. The firm was founded in 2004 and has grown to employ over 500 professionals worldwide. Its portfolio includes brand development, product design, digital experience architecture, and sustainability consulting. Dezignexperts operates through a network of regional offices in Europe, North America, and Asia, enabling it to deliver localized expertise while maintaining a cohesive global strategy.
History and Background
Founding Years
Dezignexperts was established by former design directors of two leading European agencies, Marc Keller and Sofia Nguyen, in 2004. The founders identified a gap in the market for firms that combined design thinking with rigorous business strategy. The first office opened in Zurich, followed by a satellite studio in Berlin within the same year.
Expansion and Diversification
Between 2007 and 2011, Dezignexperts expanded into the United States, opening a New York office that focused on digital product design. In 2012, the company launched its sustainability consulting division, positioning itself as a leader in environmentally responsible design. The mid‑2010s saw further growth in Asia, with offices in Singapore and Tokyo, allowing the firm to serve clients in the rapidly evolving technology sector.
Recent Developments
In 2018, Dezignexperts acquired a boutique Australian agency specializing in user experience research, adding depth to its service offerings. The following year, the company introduced a proprietary design platform, DezignHub, to streamline collaboration between client teams and internal designers. In 2023, Dezignexperts celebrated its 19th anniversary with a global conference on design for social impact.
Organizational Structure
Leadership
Marc Keller serves as Chairman of the Board, while Sofia Nguyen holds the position of Chief Executive Officer. The leadership team is complemented by a Managing Director in each region: Europe, North America, and Asia. The strategic planning committee meets quarterly to align global objectives with local initiatives.
Divisions
- Brand & Strategy
- Product Design
- Digital Experience
- Sustainability & Circular Design
- Research & Insights
Human Resources
Dezignexperts places a strong emphasis on continuous professional development. Employees are required to complete an annual training curriculum that includes courses in emerging design technologies, user research methods, and leadership skills. The company also partners with universities to host design competitions and mentorship programs.
Services
Brand Development
The brand development division provides end-to-end services, from market positioning research to visual identity creation and brand guidelines. Clients receive a comprehensive brand strategy that integrates product design, marketing, and user experience considerations.
Product Design
Dezignexperts offers concept ideation, rapid prototyping, and full-scale production support. The product design team collaborates closely with engineering and supply chain partners to ensure that design solutions are manufacturable and cost-effective.
Digital Experience Architecture
In this area, the firm creates digital ecosystems, including web and mobile interfaces, as well as embedded software for industrial devices. Services encompass interaction design, information architecture, and front-end development integration.
Sustainability Consulting
Clients benefit from lifecycle analysis, material sourcing guidance, and circular economy modeling. Dezignexperts assists companies in meeting regulatory requirements and achieving sustainability certifications such as ISO 14001 and EPD.
Research & Insights
Through ethnographic studies, surveys, and data analytics, the research division informs strategic decisions. Insights are delivered via detailed reports, workshops, and interactive dashboards.
Notable Projects
EcoTech Smart Home System
In 2015, Dezignexperts collaborated with a leading home automation company to redesign the user interface of its smart home system. The project integrated voice control and energy monitoring, resulting in a 25 percent increase in user engagement over the first year of release.
Global Financial Services Rebrand
Between 2017 and 2018, the firm led the rebranding of a multinational financial institution. The initiative encompassed new visual identity, a redesigned mobile banking app, and a series of public service campaigns focusing on financial literacy.
Circular Packaging Initiative
In 2020, Dezignexperts partnered with a consumer goods manufacturer to develop a fully recyclable packaging solution. The project reduced packaging waste by 40 percent and garnered media attention in the sustainability sector.
Healthcare Experience Transformation
Dezignexperts worked with a hospital network to redesign patient flow and digital health records. The redesign led to a measurable improvement in patient satisfaction scores and a reduction in administrative time.
Awards and Recognition
- Red Dot Design Award – 2013 (Product Design)
- iF Design Award – 2016 (User Experience)
- Fast Company “Most Innovative Company” – 2018 (Digital Experience)
- Design for Sustainability Award – 2021 (Circular Packaging)
- Europaeum Award for Best Consulting Firm – 2023
Corporate Philosophy
Human‑Centered Design
Dezignexperts asserts that successful design originates from an in‑depth understanding of user needs. The firm incorporates iterative testing and stakeholder feedback into all stages of development.
Strategic Alignment
Business strategy is integrated from the outset. Project teams conduct value‑chain analyses to ensure that design decisions support overarching corporate goals.
Ethical and Sustainable Practices
The organization is committed to reducing environmental impact. This commitment is reflected in the selection of materials, energy consumption targets, and efforts to close the loop through recycling programs.
Clientele
Dezignexperts serves a broad spectrum of organizations, including multinational corporations, mid‑size enterprises, start‑ups, and non‑profit organizations. Key sectors include:
- Technology and software
- Consumer electronics
- Financial services
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Automotive and mobility
- Retail and e‑commerce
Industry Impact
Design Thinking Adoption
Through thought leadership initiatives such as white papers and conference presentations, Dezignexperts has contributed to the mainstream adoption of design thinking in business strategy.
Talent Development
The firm’s apprenticeship and internship programs have produced a pipeline of skilled designers who have progressed to leadership roles within the industry.
Standard Setting
Dezignexperts has been involved in the development of design guidelines for sustainable packaging, influencing regulatory frameworks in several European countries.
Sustainability Initiatives
Green Office Program
All global offices operate on renewable energy sources and maintain strict waste segregation protocols. The program has achieved a 30 percent reduction in overall energy consumption since 2019.
Carbon Offset Projects
Clients are encouraged to participate in offset programs. Dezignexperts manages the calculation of scope‑1 and scope‑2 emissions and recommends suitable offset projects in forestry and renewable energy.
Material Innovation Lab
The firm maintains a laboratory that explores alternative materials, such as biodegradable polymers and recycled composites, to reduce the ecological footprint of its design projects.
Future Outlook
Artificial Intelligence Integration
Dezignexperts plans to incorporate AI-driven analytics into user research, enabling predictive modeling of consumer behavior. The firm is also exploring generative design tools to accelerate prototyping.
Global Expansion
Expansion into emerging markets, particularly in Africa and Latin America, is underway. The strategy involves establishing regional partnerships and training local talent.
Community Engagement
The organization will continue to support design education through scholarships, community design challenges, and collaborations with non‑profit organizations focused on social impact.
Further Reading
- Kim, S., & Lee, J. (2018). Design Thinking in the 21st Century. Springer.
- Martin, R. (2020). Strategic Design: Aligning Business and Creativity. Routledge.
- Williams, L. (2017). Sustainable Design Practices for Global Markets. Palgrave Macmillan.
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