What does it take to transform an organisation through design? Design Leadership Chronicles offers a unique perspective on this question, revealing the power of strategic design to reshape the future of businesses in the face of uncertainty.
This graphic novel chronicles the journeys of nine visionary leaders who are at the forefront of driving organisational change through design and experimentation. Divided into three compelling parts—Making Sense of the Status Quo, Seeking Change, and Envisioning Alternative Futures—each chapter illuminates a different leader’s path, highlighting the challenges they faced, the successes they achieved, and the invaluable lessons they learned along the way. Rather than providing a one-size-fits-all solution, the book inspires readers with these real-world stories, showing how design can lead to meaningful transformation within large organisations.
Each section of Design Leadership Chronicles is brought to life through distinct graphic styles created by three talented artists, with each style thoughtfully crafted to reflect the themes of its respective chapters. This blend of visual storytelling and design makes the book as engaging as it is insightful.
Whether you’re a design leader, an aspiring change-maker, or someone interested in the intersection of design and business strategy, Design Leadership Chronicles offers a refreshing perspective on how design thinking can shape not just products and services, but entire organisations. These stories delve into creativity, leadership, and, above all, the human side of transformation.
With a foreword by Silicon Valley design guru John Maeda, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand how design can drive change in today’s complex business world.
When: 10 March 2025
Where: POLIMI Graduate School of Management
The event will be hosted for the students of the Executive Master in Strategic Design for Innovation and Transformation.
When: 6 May 2025
Where: IED Istituto Europeo di Design Barcelona
When: 15 May 2025
Where: Imperial College Business School
The event will be by invitation only. We will have a handful of open free tickets; please register your interest to join the waiting list. Prof. Ileana Stigliani will host the event, during which Marzia will present the book and discuss a few chapters in detail with two of the characters portrayed in it. The evening will conclude with a book-signing session, drinks, and networking time.
When: September 2025
Where: Singapore Design Week 2025
More events will be shared soon on this page as the details get confirmed. If you run a community eager to hear about the book, do not hesitate to contact me, and we will discuss a tailored event.
When: 15 October 2024 at 10 AM CET and again at 5:30 PM CET to accommodate folks in different time zones
Where: Online
This private event is exclusively designed for the paying subscribers to Design Mavericks. You can join by upgrading your Design Mavericks membership.
When: 21 November 2024, 5pm CET
Where: Online
The official launch of the book will take place online, allowing people from various geographical locations to join the event. I will present the book and read a few chapters alongside two of the leaders featured in it. Joining me will be Thomas Foster, Executive Director at Goldman Sachs, and Alberta Soranzo, VP of Design at Elsevier.
When: 26 November 2024, 6:30pm CET
Where: Instagram @sddmilan + @marziastudio
Conversation between Marzia Aricò – design leader, author of the graphic novel Design Leadership Chronicles- and Service Design Drinks Milan
When: 2 December 2024, 4pm CET
Where: TU Delft | University of Technology
The presentation of Design Leadership Chronicles will take place at a community event that brings together Master’s students and design professionals. Marzia will introduce the book to the audience and join Professor Giulia Calabretta—co-author of Design Leadership Ignited—on stage for a conversation about design leadership. The event will conclude with a book signing session. No registration needed.
When: 5 December 2024, 5pm CET
Where: Online
Service Design Book Club is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices.
When: 10 December 2024, 4pm CET
Where: Internal Event
Marzia Aricò and Peter Brook, Digital Manager for Growth and Marketing at IKEA, will present Design Leadership Chronicles to IKEA employees across three locations. The event will be held in person in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Spain, with the three locations connected via video for a hybrid experience.
