Design Before You Design: How Organization Innovation Can Empower Social Entrepreneurship

by Jacob DeNeui

Do you want to create social impact but feel there must be a better way? There is. So many problems the world faces go largely unadressed because social entrepreneurs are unaware that they hold the power to design a better organization for creating more effective social impact. Not anymore. Whether you're a doctor, a pastor, a student, or anywhere in between, Design Before You Design will empower you to design an organization that allows you to create social change you're passionate about. Don't be stuck with an outdated framework when you can be a social impact pioneer and lead the way to greater effectiveness in meeting the world's biggest needs. It's time to design.

244 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2019

About the author

Jacob DeNeui is an architect by day and writer/entrepreneur by night. Some of his greatest joys include spending time with his family, reading, being outside, and learning new things. His writing focuses on utilizing creative thinking to help leaders and entrepreneurs make the world a better place by expanding their effectiveness. He and his family currently reside in the Pacific Northwest.

Reviews

[Sarah Pettigrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. The book captured my attention from the beginning with a story about some individuals exploring an island. Unfortunately the explorers incurred an unexpected problem which needed to be resolved. The visualization of the story made me feel like I was there with the characters. This start to the book then helped me really visualize the importance of design and creativity in almost any endevour I pursue even if it is not a business of my own. Also, the book helped me to be more open and try to look at circumstances in my life from different view points. This is turn not only benefits me, but also could benefit society as all humans are important. The author uses relatable examples to help support his ideas for social entrepreneurship as well as make the reader rethink their approach to problems faced in life. Successful businesses which benefit society are possible and the book shows you how. Check this book out as it may just help you overcome an obstacle currently present in your life, job, or start up of your company.

[Houston Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Because innovation is happening now faster than ever before, it is critical for innovation to continually be occurring at the macro-level of industries or the chance of falling behind is imminent." - Jacob DeNeui 'Design Before You Design'

In this book, Jacob reminds and drives home the point that the need for innovation is not an optional thing but a necessity in this constantly changing world, but not just any kind of innovation, but innovation that is well calculated and aimed at meeting certain goals/needs. So often entrepreneurs can have great plans but poor execution - DeNeui helps to show how design can play a vital role in organization innovation.
If you're an entrepreneur with great ideas, buy this book and read it!

[Alora · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can tell that Jacob has done his research. This book provides some innovative insight on designing organizations such as non-profits and benefit corporations. It made me think about my own freelance business and ways to make sure I continue to succeed. He takes a highly creative take on setting up an example scenario for us, which this visual learner appreciates. Highly recommend.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Design Before You Design is a great book that will provoke anyone to tackle the problems and inefficiencies of their slice of the world with greater creativity and effectiveness. Beyond the bottom line, Jacob invites the readers to create organizational, business, design, industry, etc. solutions that will ultimately bring greater good to the world, and the valuable people within it, while also creating sustainable profit.

I especially liked Chapter 5 which deals with getting above the fog of our preconceived solutions to ultimately create radically new innovation rather than slight adjustments that will ultimately fall short of the desired solution.

Overall, a great leadership read for anyone trying to make a positive difference in this world through their organization, business, non-prophet, design firm, family... relevant for anyone in leadership.

[Michael Reimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent read. As a doctor in training who is unfamiliar with the design world, this book challenged me to reevaluate ways of thinking, problem solving and creating my social impact. With the advent of the information age, the author offers tools to help us answer the new questions and challenges we uniquely will face.

One of my favorite aspects of the book is its intentionality. DeNeui draws the reader in with creative and engaging graphics, variations in typeface and outlay and real life examples of abstract concepts. Chapter summaries solidify takeaways. This book is a thought provoking experience beyond just the text.

[Mohammed alkindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

not so good read for me, did not meet my expectation and away from the description