"Complex problems demand innovative solutions..."

David Kester, Design Council Chief Executive

In this section you can find out about the ways design is making a difference in all areas of the UK. You can also share your views on current design, business and policy issues.

The Design Council is working towards real change in the following areas:

Driving competitiveness in industry

Improving innovation in public services

Supporting growth in the creative economy

How can design help reduce our energy consumption?

Stage: The Design Council and Dott 07 have run various projects to demonstrate ways that design can help make energy saving more user-friendly.
Addressing: Improving innovation in public services

Why is energy an issue for design?

Nearly half of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions come from energy we use every day - at home and when we travel. We know we should be reducing our energy consumption to save money (if not the planet) - but where, and how, to begin?

Perspectives

John Thackara

Director of Dott 07

Eighty percent of the environmental impact of the products and buildings that surround us is determined at the design stage. The ways we have designed the world force most people to waste stupendous quantities of matter and energy in their daily lives. Playing the blame game is pointless. Yes, humanity has trashed the biosphere by design - but the best way to redeem ourselves is to become part of the solution.

More perspectives and the chance to contribute

How can we help designers get the right skills?

Stage: We have published a design skills blueprint to implement the suggestions made in 'High-level skills for higher value' a report on design industry skills
Addressing: Supporting growth in the creative economy

What are the skills designers need for the future?

British design is the best in the world. But we need to take action now to make sure it stays that way.

Hot products like these are likely to be the targets of criminals

Can design help in the fight against crime?

Stage: We are part of the new Design and Technology Alliance, a group of experts in design, consumer affairs and crime. With them we will establish new ways for good design to tackle crime.
Addressing: Improving innovation in public services

Why is crime an issue for design?

Crime has fallen over the last decade but new crime challenges have emerged as society, and technology, have evolved.

What makes the UK an innovation nation?

Stage: The Government has set out its plans for making the UK the best place to run an innovative business or public service
Addressing: Driving competitiveness in industry, Improving innovation in public services

Can the Government help make the UK more innovative?

The Government department in charge of making us all more innovative has made its first plan. DIUS wants to help the public and private sectors take advantage of new opportunities and prosperity created by the demand for innovaiton.

Chris Downs from service design consultancy LiveWork shares his ideas with a group of government officials

How can we encourage creativity in smaller businesses?

Stage: We have launched a programme called Designing Demand
Addressing: Driving competitiveness in industry, Supporting growth in the creative economy

What stops small companies from being more innovative?

A recent Government strategy says smaller businesses are still not making enough use of creativity because they need to be more aware of the benefits.

This project is part of The Cox Review of Creativity in Business

A local resident makes use of the public services available in her area

Can we create better public services using design?

Stage: We have prototyped some new ideas for public services
Addressing: Improving innovation in public services, Supporting growth in the creative economy

Why are public services an issue for design?

How can we use design methods and processes to not only encourage innovation from suppliers, but innovation in services themselves?

What other issues are there?

Lessons from Europe front cover Could business studies and creativity work together?

What's the threat from emerging economies?

Dott 07 Can we use design to improve how people live?

Do we need a national network of design centres?

Why is everyone talking about the creative economy?

Designing more competitive science and innovation

School design Can design make schools more sustainable?

UK design Is the UK using design and creativity well enough?

Food design Do our food production systems need a redesign?

Design and health Can design help create a more healthy population?

Could your business claim R&D tax credits?