Summary

Dsg is looking for a passionate candidate to support the Strategy and Product Innovation Division (Strategic Planning and Futures team) for 3-6 months. As a design researcher and strategist, you will play a key role in shaping the future of design in Singapore by contributing to the development of our upcoming Design Masterplan. Your responsibilities will include designing research and well as synthesising insights to inform our strategic outcomes.

About DesignSingapore Council

DesignSingapore Council (Dsg)’s vision is for Singapore to be an innovation-driven economy and a loveable city through design by 2025. As the national agency that promotes design, our mission is to develop the design sector, help Singapore use design for innovation and growth, and make life better in this UNESCO Creative City of Design. The Dsg is a subsidiary of the Singapore Economic Development Board.

About the Strategy & Product Innovation Division (SPI)

The Strategy & Product Innovation Division plays a crucial role in driving the strategic direction of the organisation, with a mandate to chart the future of the design sector and position Singapore as a leader in innovation through design. Central to this mission is the development of a robust portfolio of products that not only align with Dsg’s Design Masterplan but also deliver measurable impact across the design industry, empowering the sector to innovate, grow, and achieve long-term success. The division comprises of two teams:

1. Strategic Planning & Futures team is responsible for long-term planning and strategy development. Specific work entails formulation of Design Masterplan, driving Strategic Futures initiatives, and managing research as needed to support Dsg’s interests.
2. Product Innovation and User Experience team collaborates with Dsg's business units to address both internal and client-facing needs. By employing design-led approaches, the team develops effective incentive policies and product offerings that support the business units in promoting the adoption of design across both design and non-design sectors.

Responsibilities

This role reports to the Senior Manager of the Strategy & Product Innovation Division (Strategic Planning & Futures team) at Dsg, and your responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Researching design: Coordinate and conduct primary and secondary research to identify key trends, gaps, and opportunities that will shape the future of design in Singapore.
• Designing research: Design research methodologies, frame hypotheses, and develop engagement strategies to generate meaningful insights from Dsg's customer segments
• Strategy formulation: Actively participate in the synthesis and translation of insights into concrete strategies and tactics for Dsg’s upcoming Design Masterplan.
• Material development: Support in the development of communication materials required for the masterplan approval (e.g. presentations).

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in designing and executing research, showcased through a completed project.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Confident in facilitation and adept at managing interpersonal/ group dynamics to effectively engage internal and external stakeholders.
• A naturally curious individual with a passion for learning, particularly in understanding and applying design at a systems level.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to multi-task and remain focused in a fast-paced environment, while resourcefully tackling new challenges.
• Genuine interest and passion for Singapore’s design and creative ecosystem.
• Proficiency in communication design is a plus.