Design out crime

Design Out Crime logoThe Home Office’s Design and Technology Alliance Against Crime and the Design Council have established a project called Design Out Crime. It is showing how designers can get to the root of a crime problem and stop it happening.

The programme will work with industry experts to tackle five key areas where design can help to prevent crime.

 

Hot products illustration

Hot products

Designers are collaborating with technology experts to develop mobile phones that are more secure. They are securing handsets, the data they contain and their future use as electronic ‘wallets’ when mobile-commerce technology is introduced in the UK.

Alcohol related crime

Designers are creating a safer British pint glass in a bid to crack the problem of glasses being used in violent assaults. They're collaborating with materials experts, glassware manufacturers and drink brand owners to create a solution that enhances the experience of drinking a pint.

Schools

Design solutions that reduce problems such as bullying, fighting and petty theft in schools are already being developed.

Business

Retail businesses are currently reporting increased incidents of shoplifting linked to the recession. RSA Design Directions, with support from The Alliance, has issued a design brief that asks students to design ideas against shoplifting.

Housing

Designers are working to make the the places we live in feel safer.

The Alliance

The Design and Technology Alliance Against Crime is made up of independent experts in design, consumer affairs and crime.

The Design and Technology Alliance Against Crime

Design and Technology Alliance Against Crime logo

The Design and Technology Alliance Against Crime is a group of independent experts from the worlds of design, industry and law enforcement, whose task is to bring about innovation and encourage others to ‘think crime’ in the first stages of product development.

 

It's working with the Home Office to embed the message that design can have a real impact on cutting crime by making it harder and less attractive for criminals – in turn making people and communities feel safer.

 

Find out more about The Alliance