With their studio ST-DUO ST-DUO, Sophie Balch and Tijn de Kok emphasise design’s capacity as a driver for meaningful collaboration. Their projects span cultural, social, political, and environmental issues, aiming to support and empower those working towards change. They merge graphic design, strategy, campaign development, and participatory workshops, prioritising the human element in their work. Driven by their Manifesto for a Better World—a document outlining the studio’s ethos—ST-DUO produces identities that embody the right attitude, helping others stand for their work and beliefs. The manifesto identifies five roles ST-DUO deems crucial for navigating challenges and achieving positive impact, for which the studio develops collaborative design methodologies. 

In the collaboration Design Thinking ≠ Doing! ST-DUO worked with Misiconi, an inclusive dance company with dancers of mixed abilities. By introducing design to the dance floor, they aimed to develop a toolkit that empowers teachers and dancers to explore more inclusive educational methods. Working with young adult dancers with intellectual disabilities and/or learning difficulties, ST-DUO explored the value design can add to inclusive teaching. Experimenting and collaborating with the dance company was essential. The resulting toolkit helps dancers document their process, develop autonomy, and gain insights into their growth. The research and development are documented in a publication titled A New Way to Grow, which includes interviews with experts from education and design, offering a comprehensive overview of Misiconi’s innovative talent development route.

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