Design, as a discipline, has historically demonstrated responsiveness to societal developments and crises. However, amidst the multifaceted challenges of our times, there is a growing discourse surrounding the potential for design to not only react but also serve as a catalyst for transformative change. This discourse raises pivotal questions about the role of design in fostering hope, generating realistic solutions, and mitigating global and local crises. Drawing upon interdisciplinary perspectives and empirical research as well as case studies, the contributors to this volume critically examine the evolving role of designers in responding to contemporary crises.