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.
Leading Business by Design: High Value Manufacturing
10 June 2015
In 2013, the Leading Business by Design research project was launched to examine how businesses – including organisations not traditionally associated with design – can benefit from it. Following on from our 2013 research, we...
Orluna
3 June 2015
A strategic rebrand heightened this British LED-maker’s credibility in the market and provided the platform for growth they were seeking. Challenge Orluna is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of LED lighting. Following a...
Croft Filters Ltd
1 June 2015
A successful product development and rebranding project took this leading filter manufacturer to the next level. Challenge Croft Filters Ltd, based in Warrington, Cheshire, is a leading UK manufacturer of customer-specified...
Jesmonite
1 June 2015
A brand redesign boosted this decorative building material manufacturer’s core sales and created a powerful platform for future growth. Challenge Jesmonite Ltd is a small but rapidly-growing manufacturer of a unique decorative...
Heightec
12 May 2015
A project to design a new safety helmet will enable this Kendal-based company specialising in ‘work at height’ safety equipment, training and support, to strengthen its product development process and extend its manufacturing...
Design Buyers' Guide
5 May 2015
Being a successful business in the UK today increasingly means adding value rather than cutting prices, and that’s where design comes in. Used effectively, design can help you anticipate what customers need, develop the right...
Future Pioneers 2013
10 April 2015
Future Pioneers was launched in partnership with New Designers in 2013 to celebrate and nurture principled, passionate and purposeful young designers, as well as raise awareness of the positive impact of design. It gives...
University of Hertfordshire
31 March 2015
Children with autism have difficulties understanding the emotions and reactions of others and often do not engage socially, which has a significant effect on them and their families’ wellbeing. Kaspar is the name given to a robot...
QFC
25 March 2015
An ambitious plan by this leading sofa manufacturer to raise and align its brand, environment, production design and culture to the same level is laying solid foundations for further future business growth. Challenge Com...
University of Glasgow
24 March 2015
Anacail is a venture capital-backed spin-out of the Astrophysics Department at the University of Glasgow. Anacail specialises in creating and handling ozone in revolutionary, safe and flexible ways. Its key technology allows...
Teignbridge Council
23 March 2015
Every day, eight people in England die from a fall. Elderly people in particular are vulnerable to such accidents, and many less-serious trips and falls go unreported. East Teignmouth in Teignbridge has a higher than average...
A ten step guide to running a design workshop in secondary schools
18 March 2015
This ‘How to’ guide for design and technology secondary school teachers takes you through ten easy steps to running a design workshop, including advice on what materials you will need, how to push your students to think bigger and...