Articles
Search previous Design Council news and articles.
Design Council looks back on 2016
22 December 2016
Writing an end of year blog is always a challenge. Writing a 2016 wrap is a particular challenge. There has been a huge amount of commentary on events of this year – I am not going to try and emulate these. The pace and scale of...
Why designing for Arthritis makes commercial sense
16 December 2016
The most commercially successful products are typically designed to be useful, usable and desirable for people with a wide range of needs. This is why Arthritis Research UK became a funding partner of Spark in 2016, with the aim...
Rhinamite – the device that stops nosebleeds in a pinch
15 December 2016
Some of the best ideas often come from people who don’t have a background in design, but instead have experience of a particular discipline. Dr Wendy Minks is one such person. Last year she became a Design Council Spark finalist...
New Estate Regeneration Strategy is an opportunity for transformation
8 December 2016
Design Council Cabe welcomes the publication of the government’s long-awaited Estate Regeneration Strategy. The approach sets out a clear opportunity to transform estates across England. Too many people continue to live in...
What does it take to become a Spark product innovator?
1 December 2016
Design Council is searching for stand-out product ideas for the 2017 Spark programme. It's a unique opportunity to access design innovation to develop a new product. For the most successful participants it is also a shot at a...
Talking Points: Age-friendly cities, female inventors, and improving ‘sink estates’
1 December 2016
Each fortnight we round-up some of the latest news, research, and reports that are shaping our thinking. These are things that have led to an interesting conversation at Design Council HQ. It’s a short note this week, as our...
Transform Ageing launches to redesign the experience of later life
28 November 2016
Design Council is leading a new initiative to help improve the experience of ageing funded by the Big Lottery Fund and initially based in the south-west of England. Design Council will work alongside UnLtd, the South West Academic...
Our response to the 2016 autumn statement
24 November 2016
The 2016 autumn statement was one of the most anticipated for some time. The announcements by the chancellor on growth, innovation and infrastructure are welcome, including the proposed £23bn investment in innovation and...
Rockit: On landing a market success
17 November 2016
Finding a real customer need around which to design a great product is usually one of the hardest parts of the product design process. Sometimes though, it is right there in front of you. A problem you face every day that no one...
London councils’ chance to redesign public services
15 November 2016
The Design in the Public Sector programme, run by Design Council and fully funded and supported by the Local Government Association (LGA), has officially started its call for London councils and partner organisations to be part of...
Talking Points: Top 10 innovators and one of the "weirdest speeches about transport ever".
11 November 2016
Each fortnight we round-up some of the latest news, research, and reports that are shaping our thinking. These are things that have led to an interesting conversation at Design Council HQ. Add to the conversation in the comments...
Calling all bright ideas – Design Council Spark launches again
25 October 2016
Now in its third consecutive year, Design Council Spark is once again on the lookout for bright ideas to turn into brilliant products. Entries are now open for Design Council Spark 2017, our support programme and fund designed to...