ThinkPlaceX

Let’s design a future that works for all

ThinkPlaceX is Synergy Group’s strategy and design arm, tackling Australia’s most complex challenges with co-design, citizen-centred design, and system innovation.

 

Signture Services

Complex Co-Design 

Co-design is about designing with, not for, the people most affected by an issue. We bring together the right voices – those with lived experience, technical expertise, policy knowledge, and perspectives from across sectors. In complex, uncertain environments, we take co-design further: convening interdisciplinary expertise, engaging in systems thinking, and iterating toward shared solutions.

Citizen-Centric Design Government

Government services are woven into every facet of our lives, but using them isn’t always straightforward. We bridge the gap between policy intent and lived reality, building services, programs, and policies that prioritise the needs and experiences of citizens.

System Innovation 

Our world is constantly changing. Technological disruption, climate challenges, geopolitical uncertainty, and social transformation are putting pressure on the systems we rely on. However, every system holds hidden strengths and untapped potential. We connect ideas, people, and data to surface opportunities buried within policies, services, markets, and communities.

 

Core Capabilities

Research & Insights: We uncover deep human and system insights to inform smarter decisions, drive innovation, and measure impact. 

Futures & Transitions: We help organisations anticipate change, imagine possible futures, and build the strategies and coalitions to navigate them. 

Regulatory Design: We co-design adaptive, human centred regulation that supports compliance, responds to risk, and earns community trust.

Service Design: We design services that are effective and centred on the real needs of users and the systems they navigate. 

Organisation Design: We help transform organisations into adaptive, connected systems by aligning strategy, people, structures, and culture.

Meet the team

From start to finish we listen and seek to understand and deliver impact, together, in partnership.

How we think

With views on what matter and knowledge to share. We pride ourselves in collaborating. Get to know us better.
Insight

Supporting women in sport is about cultural change

The year that changed everything
In 2019, Suncorp released their Youth & Confidence Research which showed that 50% of Australian teenage girls dropped out of sport by 17. Passionate about understanding behaviour and effecting change, our creativeXpeople want to form a deep understanding of past and present participation issues to devise practical ways to help support women’s participation in sport at all levels and have created a survey to form a holistic understanding. 
Read More
Insight

The blurry line between a professional career and life

Rethinking work
With the world moving so fast these days, how do you create a career plan that realistically fits into your life plan? How do you find passion for what you do, recognise your transferrable skills, and take your career to the next level? Careers and recruitment executive director at Synergy Group, Nick Pieper, looks at how career planning should be embedded into daily life for both employees and employers. 
Read More
Insight

The relationship between the project sponsor and manager

Transformation
Often, it’s not until a project is failing that the core relationship between the main parties, or the expertise of those involved, is questioned. Mandy Hill, Executive Director at Synergy Group and an experienced program and project manager, explains how an open, transparent and respectful relationship between the project’s sponsor and project manager goes a long way towards reaching a successful outcome.
Read More