Ethical Transition Strategies is a structured approach for designers working on social and community-engaged projects who want to exit responsibly and ensure impact is sustained. Too often, transitions are rushed, unclear, or overlooked—leaving communities, clients, or partners without the support or knowledge needed to carry the work forward.

This framework helps designers plan thoughtful transitions by centering the people inheriting the project. It breaks the transition process into clear phases, each with milestones, and is grounded in four core dimensions of sustainability: leadership, financial, relational, and momentum. These tools support alignment between all parties and encourage shared decision-making.

Designed for strategic designers, design leaders, and educators, Ethical Transition Strategies offers structured support for navigating the often-ambiguous final stage of a project. It reframes transition as a critical phase of the design process—grounded in care and shared responsibility—ensuring the work lives on beyond the designers’ involvement.

Studio Instructor
Juanli Carrion

Designers
Abbey Manliclic