Design-Driven Innovation: Comparative Analysis: Carlsbad, CA and Ensenada, MX Case Studies

INTRODUCTION

This comparative analysis explores the parallel journeys of two cities, Carlsbad, California, US, and Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, in embedding design-driven innovation within their civic systems. Both case studies are part of the Democratizing Design initiative, a binational effort led by the UC San Diego Design Lab in collaboration with The Design Academy, Inc. and CETYS University. While their geographies, resources, and institutional maturity differ, Carlsbad and Ensenada share a common goal: to use human-centered design as a catalyst for more responsive, inclusive, and participatory governance. 

Through grounded interviews, civic analysis, and design observation, each case provides a distinct lens into how design principles can influence public sector transformation—from embedded innovation engines to emergent grassroots efforts. This analysis surfaces their common values, divergent paths, and shared opportunities for cross-border learning.

In this context we understand Design as a creative, intentional practice that iteratively solves problems and creates value for people, communities, and the planet. Democratizing design is a mindset that makes design understandable, accessible, approachable and inclusive—shaped through meaningful community participation.

SHARED FOUNDATIONS: DESIGN AS A MINDSET SHIFT

Both cities embrace the core premise that design is not simply a process or a toolkit—it is a shift in how the government listens, acts, and relates to its communities. In Carlsbad, design became embedded through formal structures and strategic alignment with citywide goals. In Ensenada, design surfaced more organically, championed by civic-minded leaders operating within, and often around, existing government systems.

Despite differing institutional scaffolding, both cities demonstrate that human-centered innovation thrives when it is rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and trust. Design is seen not as an external intervention but as an internal evolution—changing how cities see themselves and how residents experience civic life.

COMPARATIVE TABLE: PARALLEL THEMES AND CONTRASTING APPROACHES

  • Carlsbad, CA

    Institutionalized via Office of Innovation and Strategic Plan alignment

    Ensenada, MX

    Emergent through civic leaders, UNESCO designation, and designers and architects advocates

    Notes

    Formal vs. grassroots design adoption

  • Carlsbad, CA

    Formal CIO, data team, and Connected Carlsbad innovation roadmap

    Ensenada, MX

    No formal innovation unit; design applied informally by individuals

    Notes

    Organizational maturity gap

  • Carlsbad, CA

    Real-time dashboards, GIS mapping, Tableau analytics, feedback platforms (ZenCity)

    Ensenada, MX

    Aspirational Smart City goals; ongoing efforts to digitize public services

    Notes

    Carlsbad leads in digital enablement

  • Carlsbad, CA

    Structured engagement strategy, resident surveys, and storytelling through data

    Ensenada, MX

    Community forums, cultural events, and participatory planning

    Notes

    Both prioritize inclusive engagement

  • Carlsbad, CA

    Operational metrics: emergency response, service delivery, community enhancements, recognition as Top Digital City and Bloomberg What Works City

    Ensenada, MX

    Cultural outcomes: public space redesign, increased community pride, UNESCO recognition

    Notes

    Both cities show positive results and recognition that elevate their standing

INTERSECTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

The stories of Carlsbad and Ensenada are not isolated—they unfold within the same binational ecosystem. Professionals, ideas, and resources move fluidly across the Calibaja region. Together, they reflect complementary models of democratized design. Carlsbad offers insight into how design-driven innovation can be institutionalized. Ensenada illustrates how it can emerge from cultural capital and individual leadership.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATIVE GROWTH

  • Establish a Learning Journey to exchange to share methodologies, tools, and best practices between Carlsbad and Ensenada.

  • Ensenada: Institutionalize what works. Launch a lightweight innovation unit to scale grassroots practices and catalyze pilot projects. The Smart City initiative aligns with this opportunity, and Carlsbad’s Connected Carlsbad Smart City Roadmap can serve as a strong example for the city of Ensenada

  • Carlsbad: Sustain Innovation Culture Post-Department: Invest in storytelling, training, and cross-departmental champions to support the design innovation legacy.

  • A cross-border narrative dashboard integrating cultural and quantitative outcomes could be helpful for the region.

  • The comparative insights from Carlsbad and Ensenada reveal not only local opportunities, but also the potential for a regional platform for scaling design practices. This is where the Democratized Design UC San Diego Regional Advancement Lab (RAL) can be used as a potential framework.

The SD-TJ Regional Design Council framework, the RAL, operates as both a Think Tank and Do Tank, serving as:

  • A convening mechanism for design awareness and advocacy

  • A central place to incubate civic projects and provide design training

  • A bridge between formal structures (e.g., Carlsbad’s Office of Innovation) and grassroots leadership (e.g., Ensenada’s civic champions and cultural networks)

Through the RAL, Carlsbad, CA and Ensenada, MX can co-develop shared methodologies, training pipelines, and cross-border civic projects, ensuring that design-driven innovation is not siloed by a border, but becomes a regional asset.

CONCLUSION: TWO PATHS, ONE PURPOSE

Carlsbad and Ensenada offer two distinct, yet aligned, approaches to embedding design-driven innovation in civic life. One is structured, more measurable, and digitally enabled. The other is more relational, symbolic, and culturally grounded. Both are valid. Both are needed.

Their shared participation in the Democratizing Design initiative through interviews speaks to a larger movement, one that recognizes design-driven innovation not just as the domain of experts but as a shared social practice. Their next chapter may be best written together, across borders, building not just better systems—but a more inclusive, human-scale region.