Design 4 Development project design better to live better and they believe that design, in all of its many manifestations, plays an important role in fostering economic, cultural, and social development and change. To this end, they use design thinking, concepts, methods, processes, and products to engage its power and potential for the social good. In partnership with marginalized indigenous communities in Mexico, they focus on projects that have rich opportunities for innovation, development, empowerment and a positive community impact. Outcomes of these projects are strategies, processes, and designed products.

They are currently working on the following projects:
1) Hach Kaab Honey (Yucatán state) with four honey cooperatives to bring high quality honey products direct to market
2) Xyaat (Señor, Quintana Roo) a community based eco and cultural tourism project to teach about living Maya communities – in contrast to a sensationalized tourism approach
3) Organic farming (Noh-Bec, Quintana Roo) with Gualberto Casanova to develop teaching farms, educate community members about sustainable and organic farming methods, and bring products direct to a high end market while, at the same time, providing healthier products the local community can consume
4) Preservation of, education about, and marketing of regional autoctonous (native) seeds that have a high nutritional value and easily grown in the region.
5) Teaching design processes and marketing high-end crafts in towns around the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Preserve in order to develop a sustainable and equitable craft economy.

For a complete list of projects, partners, participants, and locations please visit their website.