This paper presents a rationale for design within the context of health and care innovation, framing the visualisation of complex contexts as the critical underpinning for meaningful and sustainable change.  It is no longer the domain of the designer to respond individually to a challenge.  Instead it is recognised that in order for innovation to be meaningful, it must instead be designed with and by instead of for. To this end, perspectives engaged must extend across transdisciplinary boundaries and include key stakeholders.

The ability of design to position itself as a participatory approach that explores the complex and often contradictory perspectives of the stakeholders involved is acknowledged. Such design practices work to cross the disciplinary boundaries, generating insights that can inform, influence and affect change. Presenting the ways in which complexity within health and care has been visualised across a number of DHI projects, the paper offers insights into the translation and interpretation of such visual data into a framework for meaningful and sustainable change.