Unleashing SME Potential: Using Generative AI and Design Thinking to Create a Society Where Companies are Chosen for Their Value

Our association supports the 'April Dream' initiative, which aims to make April 1st a day for sharing dreams. This press release represents the dream of the Branding Design Association.

The rapid evolution of generative AI is bringing a major turning point to corporate activities. While operational efficiency is increasing, the importance of addressing fundamental questions such as 'What is our company's value?' and 'Why do we exist?' has never been higher.

We, the Branding Design Association (Headquarters: Sakura City, Chiba; Representative Director: Toru Nagao), aim to realize a society where 'all companies can articulate their value and be chosen for their value, not their price,' by combining 'generative AI' and 'design thinking.'

[About Our Association] With the mission of 'Co-design your value,' we support corporate value creation and social problem-solving through the dissemination of design thinking and design management.

[Our Dream] To create a society where all companies can articulate their own value and increase the number of companies chosen for their 'value' rather than 'price.'

[Why This Dream?] Many Japanese companies possess excellent technology and services but fail to communicate their value. SMEs, in particular, often struggle with being unable to escape price competition. We want to change this reality.

[Generative AI × Design Thinking] We believe the fusion of these two is essential. Design thinking allows us to discover essential issues from the user's perspective, while generative AI helps organize and express these values. Humans discover the 'value,' and AI supports the 'expression.'

[Practical Initiatives] We have been selected as a partner for the Japan Patent Office's 'Design Management Compass' workshops, helping companies organize their current status and define their value. We also offer the 'Design Thinking Certification' and 'Branding Design Coordinator' qualification programs to help individuals and companies acquire these skills.