The Innovation & Design agency built for locally led change.
We believe the people closest to a challenge should help shape the solution. That is why Proportion Global brings together local designers, researchers, strategists, and storytellers across the Global South to co-create solutions that are human-centered, systemic, and built to last.
Communities solving their toughest challenges through local problem-solvers.
We envision communities across Africa, Latin America, South Asia and the Middle East overcoming their toughest challenges through local problem-solvers who uncover root causes, co-create solutions, and thrive within a wider ecosystem.
Enabling changemakers through Design 2.0.
We exist to support changemakers in realising life-centered, systemic solutions through Design 2.0, a practice that goes beyond traditional HCD by combining it with systems thinking, futures foresight, business modelling, and social and behavioural insights.
Our purpose in motion.
A short film on why we exist, who we work with, and what Design 2.0 looks like when it is practised by local experts in the places it is meant to serve.
Meet a few of the 250+ creatives.
Designers, researchers, behavioural strategists and facilitators, from Dakar to Dhaka, Bogotá to Beirut. Every engagement assembles a tailored team from this network of native experts.
What we value as designers.
These are not posters on the wall. Our values are the foundation for every project and engagement we do: how we listen, how we decide, how we behave on the ground.
- 01Open-mindednessWe deeply listen to people's stories, fully opening up to understand different perspectives and ways of thinking without immediately dismissing them. Being receptive and curious about different views and experiences, not closed or resistant. Biases and preconceptions do not block consideration of alternative ideas.
- 02AuthenticityWe prioritise being true to ourselves, our values and our beliefs. Genuine and honest, not conforming to expectations or hiding real thoughts and feelings. When we are authentic, we act in a way that reflects our true identity, rather than trying to fit a mould or please others.
- 03DiversityWe appreciate and respect a wide range of differences in people, backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences. By embracing diversity, we recognise that each individual's unique qualities and viewpoints contribute to a richer, more creative, more effective environment, whether in the workplace, communities, or society as a whole.
- 04HumilityWe appreciate the importance of being modest and respectful, recognising our own limitations and being open to continuous learning from others, regardless of their status or position. Humility means acknowledging that we do not have all the answers, and that others can provide valuable insights.
- 05CourageWe embrace critical thinking, experimentation and the willingness to try new approaches. We create safe environments where it is okay to take risks and learn from failure. Courage is the inner strength to do what is right, stand up for what you believe in, and confront obstacles with determination.
One conversation in 2007. A decentralised agency today.
In 2007, a conversation with FrieslandCampina's R&D director set our course: "We want to impact undernourished children in Vietnam with our dairy products, but we can't get it down to a level they can afford."
Instead of cheaper spin-offs or smaller packaging, we turned to Human-Centered Design, designing with low-income communities, not for them. We began as a small Amsterdam team and quickly involved local HCD experts to avoid outsider bias and build real trust.
Today, that conviction has grown into the most decentralised Innovation & Design agency in the world. Next, with the Innovators Team platform, co-founded with GAIN, we are moving from a decentralised agency to a global ecosystem of innovation and collaboration.
Three things you won't find anywhere else.
Very few agencies have built a Design 2.0 methodology, a network of hyperlocal designers who actually live in the communities they design for, and an online space for guided co-innovation. We have.
Beyond traditional HCD: life-centered, systemic.
We go beyond traditional HCD by integrating systems thinking, future foresights, business modelling, and behavioural insights, creating solutions that are life-centered, community-led, and systemically integrated.
250+ HCD professionals based in 62 countries.
A vetted network across Africa, Latin America, South Asia and the Middle East ensures every project is rooted in real local expertise, not fly-in-fly-out consultancy.
A digital backbone for co-innovation at scale.
As co-founders of the Innovators Team platform, we provide clients with a ready-made digital backbone to extend collaboration, learning and scaling well beyond single projects, across the wider ecosystem.
Ready to utilise our three key strengths?
A 30-minute discovery call is the fastest way to find out whether we are the right team for your challenge. No pitch, no pressure. We will listen, share honestly whether we can help, and follow up with a written proposal if there is a fit.
Book a discovery call
- 30 minutes. No cost.
- Direct with a senior HCD lead.
- Written follow-up within 48 hours.