Public Design Map
We are mapping, connecting, and convening public design practitioners across Latin America
Public Design Map
We are mapping, connecting, and convening public design practitioners across Latin America
The Public Design Map in Latin America is a collaborative research project led by Unit y Public Design Collective. The project is supported by Northeastern University and the Royal College of Art.
In Latin America, many public innovation initiatives are interrupted by institutional or administrative changes. As a result, valuable lessons and knowledge are lost. This project looks to document, make visible, and connect the work of those who practice public design in the region, so that their contributions endure, are recognized, and can inspire new transformations.
Between October and December 2025, we conducted a survey across 20 countries in three languages. A first analysis of that data is now reflected in this Map.
THE MAP
Explore the geography of public design
THE MAP
Explore the geography of public design
The Map brings together survey responses from practitioners across Latin America, documenting where public design is being practised, which projects are being developed, and what kinds of organisations are involved. The current dataset includes 311 projects reported across 20 countries.
127practitioners surveyed
20countries
311projects documented
271institutions involved
4arenas of practiceWhat is public design
The intentional use of design approaches and tools–such as human-centered research, co-creation, service design, and systems thinking–to address problems and processes in the public sector. In this project, public design:
Public Design in Latin America manifests in multiple ways: in projects promoted by international organizations, innovation teams that operate within the public or private sector, consolidated service units, and many other shapes that continue to emerge in the region.
| Rethinks | Integrates | Seeks | Recognizes the political | Adapts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structures, policies, and public services from inclusive and collaborative perspectives. | Citizens, civil servants, and organizations into the definition of problems and solutions. | Systemic impact with decisions and services that respond to real contexts | Design can transform power structures and ways of governing. | To changing environments with limited resources and diverse regulatory frameworks. |
Rethinks
Structures, policies, and public services from inclusive and collaborative perspectives.
Integrates
Citizens, civil servants, and organizations into the definition of problems and solutions.
Seeks
Systemic impact with decisions and services that respond to real contexts
Recognizes the political
Design can transform power structures and ways of governing.
Adapts
To changing environments with limited resources and diverse regulatory frameworks.
The Map is a living project
This first analysis is a starting point. In the coming phases we are working on:
- In-depth case studies that document specific practices, challenges and lessons from the field.
- A regional publication that integrates these findings into the broader literature on public design in Latin America and the world.
- New spaces of connection for practitioners across Latin America.
Collaborations
A collaborative map of public design in Latin America
Collaborations
A collaborative map of public design in Latin America
The Public Design Map is developed by Public Design UNIT and Public Design Collective, with the support of Northeastern University and the Royal College of Art.
The Public Design Map is developed by Public Design UNIT and Public Design Collective, with the support of Northeastern University and the Royal College of Art.
LEAD BY
Public Design UNIT is a global service innovation and strategic design studio. We work with governments, multilateral organisations, regulated industries, and institutions committed to generating public value — designing and building programs, services, and experiences that people value, trust, and enjoy.
LEAD BY
Public Design UNIT is a global service innovation and strategic design studio. We work with governments, multilateral organisations, regulated industries, and institutions committed to generating public value — designing and building programs, services, and experiences that people value, trust, and enjoy.
Public Design Collective, is a collective of researchers studying public design in Latin America.
Public Design Collective, is a collective of researchers studying public design in Latin America.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF
The College of Arts, Media, and Design at Northeastern University and the Royal College of Art, through Design Futures.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF
The College of Arts, Media, and Design at Northeastern University and the Royal College of Art, through Design Futures.
RESEARCH TEAM
The team behind the Map
RESEARCH TEAM
The team behind the Map
The Public Design Map brings together researchers, designers and practitioners working across public design, creative economies, service design and institutional innovation in Latin America.
The Public Design Map brings together researchers, designers and practitioners working across public design, creative economies, service design and institutional innovation in Latin America.
Nicolás Rebolledo
Co-Principal Investigator. Founder and Partner at Public Design Unit, Senior Tutor in Service Design at Royal College of Art. Practice Fellow Imperial Business School.
Sofía Bosch
Co-Principal Investigator. Founder and Lead Collaborator of the Public Design Collective, Teaching Researcher in Design at Northeastern University.
Valentina López
Researcher. Senior Consultant in Political Culture and Creative Economics at Public Design Unit.
Tina Rosado
Researcher. Northeastern University. Collaborator en Public Design Collective.
Zabel Revuelta
Researcher. Senior Consultant in Design Services at Public Design Unit.
Diana Villa
Independent Advisor.
Luca Gaspari
Research Assistant. Northeastern University.
Vicente Puig
Director of Art. Director of Art at Public Design UNIT.
CBF
Creative Bureaucracy Festival in Latin America
CBF
Creative Bureaucracy Festival in Latin America
UNIT is the regional partner for the Creative Bureaucracy Festival in Latin America.
UNIT is the regional partner for the Creative Bureaucracy Festival in Latin America.
We are co-designing a regional agenda to connect the people, institutions and ideas shaping public innovation across Latin America.
The first Latin American edition will take place in Santiago de Chile in 2027. If you would like to be part of it, join the conversation.
We are co-designing a regional agenda to connect the people, institutions and ideas shaping public innovation across Latin America.
The first Latin American edition will take place in Santiago de Chile in 2027. If you would like to be part of it, join the conversation.
