About the Design
Compass

Developed through a collaborative effort of designers, industry experts, and academics, the Design Compass – led by Bang Creations – represents over two decades of expertise in responsible product design.
Design Compass
“The Design Compass was a game changer in our process. It helped align our team around sustainability and user needs from day one. Every design decision became clearer, more intentional, and easier to justify. It’s not just a tool—it’s a mindset shift for truly thoughtful product development.” Mike Jennings, Design Lead

Collaborators

The Design Compass has evolved through partnerships with professional product designers and universities, integrating academic insights with practical industry experience. We welcome collaboration from industry professionals and academics working in this space, believing that collective expertise can further advance responsible design practices. The Design Compass represents our ongoing commitment to innovation that balances commercial success with environmental and social responsibility.
Design Compass
“The Design Compass gave us a structured yet flexible framework to challenge assumptions and prioritise meaningful innovation. It kept our team aligned and focused on creating value beyond aesthetics – driving decisions that balanced usability, sustainability, and feasibility. I wouldn’t start a product development journey without it now.” Ethan Michaels, Head of Design

Timeline

2008

Stefan Knox, founder of Bang Creations, introduces the ‘Design for Market’ model, forming the core of the Design Compass. This model becomes a staple in workshops for businesses, universities, and the British Library’s Business and IP Centre, London.

2012

The team expands the model to include environmental considerations, introducing the ‘Planet’ ring.

2021

Bang Creations achieves B Corp certification, aligning profit with people and planet.

2021
onwards

The Design Compass is integrated into coursework for second-year students in Sustainable Product Design at Falmouth University and Product Design at the University of Chester.

2022

Lecturers Simon Andrews and Evy Dutheil from Falmouth University and Rebecca Falcon from the University of Chester work with Bang to integrate social responsibility into the design model.

2023
onwards

Working with industry experts to add further resources and insights.