Turning big problems into innovation

Challenges: Turning big problems into innovation

Design can turn major national and global challenges into opportunities for innovation. We run projects that demonstrate how design can stimulate innovation and enterprise in the Community, Healthcare, Security and the Environment.

We partner designers with other experts, from technology and materials specialists to manufacturers, and provide a safe space for new thinking. We help turn this new thinking into real solutions, accelerating ideas to market, often harnessing the power of public procurement for social and economic advantage.

 

Environment

Our projects have helped turn new ideas into practical products and services that address the consequences of climate change.

Water Design Challenge logoWe challenged secondary schools to redesign parts of their school so that they used less water. We collaborated with Southern Water on the Water Design Challenge which partnered Year 8 students with designers to work on design solutions to reduce water consumption.

Water Design Challenge schools

Communities

Dott programmes bring together local communities and world-class designers to work on projects that improve how we live, work and play.

Dott stands for Designs of the Time. The Design Council developed this national initiative and is currently supporting Dott Cornwall. We believe great design can make a positive difference to everyday life and create a more sustainable, inclusive society. So we’re applying creative thinking, developing innovative design solutions and making change happen.

Security

The Home Office’s Design and Technology Alliance Against Crime and the Design Council have established a programme called Design Out Crime. It is showing how designers can get to the root of problems such as mobile phone fraud and alcohol-related violence, and reduce the risk of crime.

Design Out Crime illustration

Health

The Design Council is helping to drive innovation at scale in the NHS, with the emphasis on results that improve the patient and staff experience whilst delivering better public value. 

Design for Patient Dignity is making the hospital experience better by helping patients feel less vulnerable and more dignified.

Our Design Bugs Out programme has delivered new furniture that combats the spread of MRSA and C.difficile and manufacturers are responding to orders for these solutions from within the UK and abroad. Results include
an easy-to-clean commode that’s
now in production and set to make
a real difference.

Design Council work

Helping Britain use design to build a stronger economy and improve everyday life

New Thinking Made Real banner

Sign up to receive

  • Pinged: a designers' newsletter
  • Business Innovation Newsletter: design strategies for business

Screenshots of our newsletters

Register now