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.
Putting planet at the heart of the brief
16 May 2022
Designers have the power and a responsibility to address the climate crisis. It's time to come together to shape a better world. This film has been created to celebrate the great work that is already happening and to inspire everyone to design for planet.
Download our Systems-shifting design report
19 October 2021
System Shifting Design (October 2021) sets out emerging practice observed from designers who are working to deliberately and generatively to create new systems of health, wellbeing, homes and community. These designers are...
Moving beyond financial value: How might we capture the social and environmental value of design?
17 December 2020
In 2015 and 2018, Design Council pioneered research that produced ground-breaking evidence. We were able to measure and show the economic value of design. Our Design Economy report showed that design contributed £85.2bn...
Improving social integration outcomes in London
15 December 2020
In London’s first ever Social Integration strategy, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, set out his vision for a more socially integrated London. This means giving people more chances to connect with each other in positive and...
Transform Ageing - Later Life is for Living: Final Evaluation Report
26 November 2020
Transform Ageing, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, was a pioneering programme taking a community and design-led approach to improve people’s experience of ageing. Key to the ethos of Transform Ageing was sharing our...
Our Guide on How Design can be used to Increase Investment
4 November 2020
We believe that government can go much further in recognising, promoting and testing to see how design can be used to increase investment in R&D. We’ve produced a summary paper that brings together our evidence and thinking,...
Our response to the 'Planning for the Future' White Paper
29 October 2020
The government’s Planning for the Future White Paper has potential to create some of the biggest reforms to our planning system since the Second World War. In the context of the climate crisis and as a result of Covid-19, the way...
Design Perspectives: Design Skills
13 August 2020
In March 2020 Design Council launched its strategy which set the direction of work for the next four years. It has identified three strategic priorities where the greater use of design could make a significant difference and...
A ten step guide to running a design workshop in primary schools
13 August 2020
This ‘How to’ guide for design and technology primary 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...
Design in the Public Sector key facts
10 August 2020
Delivered in partnership between the Local Government Association (LGA) and Design Council, the Design in the Public Sector programme equips councils with design skills and methods to apply to some of their toughest challenges....
Design Perspectives: Health and Wellbeing
6 August 2020
In March 2020 Design Council launched its strategy which set the direction of work for the next four years. It has identified three strategic priorities where the greater use of design could make a significant difference and...
Download our Health and Wellbeing Roundtable Summary
6 August 2020
Improving health and wellbeing, and reducing health inequalities is one of Design Council’s three strategic priorities – a pressing issue that has been brought into sharper focus as a result of the coronavirus. As part of our work...