Helping Teams Navigate Change with Design Accelerators
- Erin Helcl
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 13
What We Believe at New Helio: Design as a Change Journey
At New Helio, we believe that design goes beyond creating new products, services, or experiences. Design is how we assist people in navigating change. Every significant change—be it a new service model, a new system, or a new way of working—presents a unique challenge. It is a change journey, and people rarely move through change in a straight line.
The Change Curve: Understanding Emotional Responses
Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross first mapped the emotional journey of change in the 1960s. Known as the Change Curve, this model has become a trusted framework for understanding how people respond to new introductions.
The curve illustrates how individuals typically experience:
Shock and Denial when change is first introduced.
Frustration and Depression as reality sets in and energy dips.
Acceptance and Experimentation when they begin to test new behaviors.
Decision and Engagement as momentum builds and change becomes established.
Many organizations view the “dip” in the curve as an unavoidable phase. However, we have observed that design accelerators can help individuals move through the curve more swiftly, with less resistance, greater ownership, and stronger results.
What We've Seen Work: Real-World Applications of Design Accelerators
Currently, we are collaborating with a client who fully grasps this concept. They are in the process of redesigning their service model, recognizing that it is not merely a design exercise. It is a change management intervention.
Together, we are utilizing design accelerators such as interviews, journey mapping, co-creation, and prototyping. Their leaders are fostering an environment where individuals not only adapt to change but also actively shape it. This mindset is generating momentum while ensuring that the changes implemented will endure.
How New Helio Accelerates the Change Curve: Tailored Approaches for Each Stage
Instead of relying on a generic toolkit, we customize our approach by applying design accelerators at each stage of change. This strategy enables us to help people move through the process more quickly.
Change Done To vs. Change Done With: The Importance of Engagement
One effective way to illustrate the difference between approaches is through a simple vignette.
Top-Down Change often resembles a rollout: “Starting next week, we’re implementing a new system. You’ll receive instructions.”
In contrast, Design Accelerators foster a collaborative conversation: “Let’s map the process together so your input shapes how this works.”
This subtle shift can significantly impact the difference between resistance and engagement.
Why This Matters: Practical Implications of Design Accelerators
This approach is not just theoretical for us; it is our practice. We believe organizations do not have to wait for individuals to “get through” the valley of change. By employing design accelerators, you can engage people from the very beginning, reduce resistance, and create lasting change.
If you are embarking on any size of change within your organization and wish to help your teams navigate it with clarity, confidence, and ownership, let’s connect.
We’d love to assist you.
Conclusion: Embracing Change with Confidence
In conclusion, understanding the emotional journey of change is crucial for any organization. By utilizing design accelerators, you can facilitate a smoother transition for your team. This not only enhances engagement but also ensures that the changes made are sustainable. Embrace the journey of change with confidence and let design lead the way.
Call to Action: Let's Start the Conversation
Are you ready to transform the way your organization approaches change? Reach out today, and let’s explore how we can work together to create a more effective change management strategy. Change is not just about moving forward; it’s about moving forward together.
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