Reports & Resources
Explore our work from previous projects.
Search our extensive back catalogue to learn more about what works in design, including emerging trends and practice, as well as policy position papers about how to increase its use.
Design Academy: Initial insights
This paper sets out what we have learned from our recently piloted Design Academy - an accelerated, applied learning programme built to strengthen students’ strategic design capabilities. In this report we highlight the growth of...
Knee High Design Challenge: Solutions Paper
This paper, authored by NEF Consulting, presents the results of a twelve-month evaluation of the three ventures that received final funding from the Knee High Design Challenge. It is focused on the outcomes achieved by these three...
Knee High Design Challenge: Our Vision for Change
This paper sets out what we have learned from the approach we took in the Knee High Design Challenge programme, using design and open innovation to enable change in improving health and wellbeing. We highlight the opportunity to...
Knee High: KidsConnect
KidsConnect is a new web application that connects parents and carers with accurate, comprehensive and easily accessible information about activities and support available for kids under five living in Lambeth and Southwark. This...
Northumberland County Council: Regenerating a community asset
Northumberland County Council used design coaching to help regenerate a landmark industrial site and create a new community asset. The closure of a frozen food factory in the Northumberland town of Amble had a heavy impact on the...
Sheffield Hallam University
Design coaching helped Sheffield Hallam University to develop a novel solution for safer breast radiotherapy, increasing accuracy and improving the feeling of comfort and dignity for women during treatment. Breast cancer affects a...
Chelmsford City Council
In 2015 Chelmsford City Council applied to be part of our Design in the Public Sector accelerator programme to help them explore solutions to the issue of parking at schools in the local areas. Background As every school, nearby...
Islington Clinical Commissioning Group
Islington Clinical Commissioning Group used design coaching to help them introduce personalised healthcare budgets to support an individual’s health and wellbeing needs. Background Islington Clinical Commissioning Group (ICCG) is...
Lancaster University
Design coaching helped Lancaster University to commercially develop an idea that could transform the landscape of toxicology testing, including finding a sustainable replacement for animal testing. In December 2013, Lancaster...
The University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool's Department of Physics turned to Design Council to help them achieve recognition, forge partnerships and win funding. Background The Department of Physics of the University of Liverpool has a...
The Open University: A new test for prostate cancer
Researchers at The Open University sought out a Design Council coaching programme to help them commercialise a new way of testing for prostate cancer. Background Prostate cancer comprises 13% of all cancer cases in the UK and is...