**This project is still in its final stages so the outputs are ongoing and the outcomes are pending**

Kausal helps cities turn their climate goals into action through digital tools that enable smarter collaboration around key data. They strive to build the most powerful and easy-to-use tools for smart climate action.

Kausal has two tools already in market and they are proposing the development of a third tool. Prior to building the new tool they wanted to take the time to understand the problem space they were operating in.

In particular, Kausal wanted to use this research project to:

• Identify how decisions get made at the local level,
• What gaps and opportunities exist within city administrations to enhance climate decision-making,
• Validate whether a proposed tool addresses a real problem inhibiting local climate action.

Cities come up against a range of systemic challenges — which have remained constant over a long period of time - and have a large influence on their decision-making environment. When we imagine the products we can design for cities, we must remain cognisant of the broader context they operate in. Acknowledging these obstacles helps us see the system we are wanting to change in a wider context, making it clearer why innovation is needed to propel cities to a new system where they are empowered to fulfil their potential.

Systemic design is needed to consider how tools can be designed in consideration of the broad factors influencing their use. Only once these challenges are better understood can we support practitioners interested in using creative and participatory methods to improve public policy.

Our design challenge was multi-layered. We set out to:

• Better understand the system,
• Help Kausal understand possible leverage points,
• Validate the need for the proposed product, and
• Align kausal’s capabilities with cities needs.

Flexibility was a crucial part of the process. To put the research into practice we used a variety of methods. Underscoring the drive for the research was a commitment to remaining open and transparent about the findings. Kausal recognises the importance of knowledge exchange in driving urgent climate action.

A need for flexibility

From the very beginning, establishing the need for flexibility was paramount. This set the foundation for a dynamic approach throughout the project.

**This project is still in its final stages so the key outcomes are still pending**

• ‍Desirability and feasibility: This design research project has given Kausal critical insights into the desirability, viability and feasibility of the new tool it's proposing.‍
• Regional engagement: The research project has also engaged with over 30 local government representatives in Australia. Laying the groundwork for effective partnerships with Australian councils and other local actors in the region.‍
• Refined focus: The research helped refine Kausal's focus. The original hypothesis was that sustainability teams and climate coordinators needed a way to engage with higher-level decision-makers. However, the research reframed the problem, highlighting the need for stronger collaboration across departments.

• Design principles are valuable for guiding future product development and embedding insights from research. However, they require ongoing attention and circulation—don’t assume everyone will adopt them as easily as you do.
• Personal stories and case studies are crucial for conveying complexity, especially when others aren’t as deeply immersed in the subject.
• Identifying blind spots is just as important as spotting opportunities. It helps assess whether your goals are achievable and if you’re the right people to be pursuing them.
• Workshop wrap-ups should include time for reviewing insights and discussing next steps to generate stronger ownership and develop realistic actions.
• Asking people to rank their feedback helps clarify its importance and can guide the formulation of actionable steps.

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