Turning big problems into innovation

Challenges: Stimulating innovation

We run competitions that use design to address societal issues. We show how design can create practical solutions to complex problems and stimulate opportunities for enterprise.

Recent Challenges

Knee High Project logo coloured in by a toddlerThe Knee High project is exploring opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of children under five.

 

Working Well Design ChallengeWorking Well Design Challenge, find out how we’re helping young people develop their talents and make a living.

 

Living well with dementia imageLiving well with dementia, find about the five innovative designs to improves the lives of those affected by dementia.

 

An independent older womanIndependence Matters, find out about the programme and seven innovative services that promote independence in later life.

 

Police in AandE Reducing violence and aggression in A&E developed solutions that reduce the human and financial costs of violence and aggression in hospitals.

Past Challenges

The hospital environmentHealth

With the Department of Health we've run Design for Patient Dignity and Design Bugs Out to solve tough problems in hospitals.

Design Out Crime illustrationSecurity

The Design Out Crime project with the Home Office tackled problems with crime related to alcohol, business, hot products, schools and homes.

Low Water Living design researchEnvironment

With Southern Water we ran the Low Water Living project which showed how information and interaction designers could help people change they use water.

Dott Cornwall illustrationCommunities

With Dott Cornwall and Dott 07 we showed how local communities could lead on design projects to improve their lives.

How we work

We organise open innovation competitions that bring designers, manufacturers and technologists together to demonstrate how design can turn challenges into opportunities.

In partnership with agencies such as the Technology Strategy Board and the Department of Health the Design Council facilitates projects that place design at the heart of solving big social challenges.

Our people

Mat HunterFind out more about the Challenges team.

Design challenges for schools

Design is a tool that can be used to solve tough problems and drive economic and social renewal. To help develop skills for the 21st century we support design teaching and experience in schools.

Keeping Connected Design Challenge

Water Design Challenge

Design challenge for schools cartoon characters