"Complex problems demand innovative solutions..."

David Kester, Design Council Chief Executive

The Design Council is making progress in moving design to the heart of national life.

In this section you can find out about the ways design is making a difference in all areas of the UK. You can also tell us what you think about current design, business and policy issues.

All our work is contributing to real change in the following areas:

Driving competitiveness in industry

Improving innovation in public services

Supporting growth in the creative economy

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.

Perspectives

Sebastian Conran

Designer and founder member of the Design and Technology Alliance

Crime doesn’t pay - but it does cost. We need to think of ways to incentivise industry to take responsibility for crime and think about adding value to products with embedded security. Anticipation is the key to design and to crime.

Harry Rich

Deputy Chief Executive, Design Council

Our work with businesses and the Home Office has shown beyond doubt that if crime is considered from the start in the design of new products and services, it can reduce the opportunities for crime and so reduce the impact of crime and the fear of crime.

More perspectives and the chance to contribute

Agenda cards to help diabetes patients articulate their needs

Can design help create a more healthy population?

Stage: The Design Council and Dott 07 are demonstrating how design can help people to remain active and healthy, and better manage their long-term health issues.
Addressing: Improving innovation in public services

What can design do to improve our nation's health?

Bad health is putting pressure on us and on our health system. We think that design can help find ways to motivate people to lead more active lifestyles and to manage their health more effectively.

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?

How can we make sure designers have the right skills?

Stage: We have published the 'High-level skills for higher value' report following consultation with over 4000 people in the design industry
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.

Can we use design to improve how people live?

Stage: Programmes in the North East have begun
Addressing: Improving innovation in public services, Supporting growth in the creative economy

What is Dott?

Can we use design to help people live how they want to live?

Is the UK making enough use of design and creativity?

Stage: We are consulting widely across the design and business community. Have you had your say?
Addressing: Driving competitiveness in industry

What’s the issue?

The then Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alistair Darling, asked the Design Council to produce a report on the take-up of design by UK industry.

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

What other issues are there?

Do we need a national network of design centres?

Could your business claim R&D tax credits?

How can we encourage creativity in smaller businesses?