Design Council

Can design drive real social and environmental change? As part of our latest Design Economy report, we’re showcasing real-world examples of businesses leading the way. Like Studio Frostwood, who as part of a UKRI funded project, repurposed 111kg of ceramic waste, reduced carbon emissions, and created new sustainable product lines. Impact Highlights: ? 3,612.6kg CO2e reduction potential through local sourcing ? 60 tonnes of CO2e offset annually ? 3x increase in workshop participation, cutting transport emissions Sustainable design isn’t just possible—it’s happening. ?? Explore more case studies: https://ow.ly/MwC850VfNsq #SustainableDesign #SocialImpact #CircularEconomy #DesignForPlanet

How can design tackle waste and drive circular innovation? As part of our latest Design Economy report, we’re showcasing real-world examples of businesses such as Welsh furniture manufacturer Orangebox They are demonstrating how circular economy principles can drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance market positioning. ?? Circular product design extends product lifecycles and minimises waste ?? Locally sourced materials lower emissions while strengthening supply chain resilience ?? Target: 50% emissions reduction by 2030, net-zero by 2050 Sustainability is not just an ethical choice, it is a business imperative. ?? Read the full case study https://ow.ly/IApx50VfNIq #CircularDesign #GreenBusiness #SustainableInnovation #DesignEconomy #DesignForPlanet

?? Designers, your voice is needed ?? The Intellectual Property Office UK has launched a Design Protection Survey, a key step in shaping the future of the UK’s design protection system. The design sector is a major force in the UK economy, contributing ￡97.4 billion GVA in 2019. This is a chance for designers to influence how the system works. They will be reviewing five key principles that will shape the future of design protection: cost, validity, speed, choice, and simplicity. Whilst also exploring critical topics like AI in design, sustainability, and small business challenges. This is your chance to make an impact. Take the short survey ?? https://ow.ly/cHol50VfEes Need support? Join Anti Copying In Design (ACID)'s free online workshop this Wednesday 12 March at 11 AM. They’ll guide you through the survey and help you make your voice heard. Sign up here ?? https://ow.ly/kC8W50VfEet #AntiCopyingInDesign #DesignRights #ProtectYourDesigns #IPO

This week, we’ve been reflecting on the incredible women shaping the design world. While women currently represent only 23% of the design workforce (Design Economy 2023), their influence is undeniable. From sustainability pioneers to architectural visionaries, women have always been at the forefront of innovation and creativity. Here are just a few who’ve left an indelible mark: ?? Jo Barnard – A true leader in designing for the planet. ?? Ray Eames – Redefining modern furniture and design. ?? Zerina Akers – Known for her bold, visionary designs for Beyoncé in Black is King. ??? Dame Zaha Hadid – Breaking barriers with her futuristic architecture. ?? Helena Rubinstein – Revolutionising the beauty industry with her visionary ideas. ?? Vera Wang – A late bloomer who built a bridal empire from the ground up. ?? Bunny Christie and Es Devlin – Creating breath-taking, immersive set designs. ?? Seetal Solanki – Founder of Ma-tt-er, researching sustainable materials for the future of design. ?? Alice Rawsthorn and Paola Antonelli – Using design to tackle global issues. ?? Sophie Thomas – Leading the charge in sustainable design practices. ?? Priya Ahluwalia – Champion of ethical, sustainable fashion. ?? Anne Lacaton – Redefining architecture with sustainable, socially conscious designs. ?? Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky – Pioneering the fitted kitchen and advocating for social justice through design. ?? Althea McNish – The first Black British designer to bring vibrant colour and pattern to fabric design. #IWD #WomenInDesign #DesignForChange #WomenLeaders #Sustainability #DesignImpact #CreativeWomen

Our latest SODA article is now live! Irene H?kansson and Anna Whicher dive into how design is the missing link in the green skills revolution. Drawing from our latest Design Economy Report: The Environmental and Social Value of Design, they explore how design-led innovation can: ? Drive sustainable solutions ? Equip the workforce with essential skills ? Unlock new economic opportunities ?? Read the full article: https://ow.ly/hKq150VcKno ?? Explore the Design Economy Report: https://ow.ly/HeR750VcKnn #DesignEconomy #GreenSkills #SustainableInnovation #NetZero #FutureofWork #DesignForPlanet

As always, I'm so excited about judging the Sustained Impact awards for the D&AD Awards 2025. These are designs that have generated social or environmental change or changed policy over time, which of course is aligned with our Design Council Design for Planet mission. The deadline for submissions is next week 12 MARCH - so please submit and/or share! https://lnkd.in/e39pgqP9

"Freelancers are the backbone of the design economy, bringing fresh thinking, expertise, and adaptability. Nearly half of the design workforce is self-employed, yet many lack support for fair pay and skills growth. Only 35% feel proficient in green design skills—something that must change if we are to design our way to a greener future." – Minnie Moll, Chief Executive, Design Council This powerful point is just one of many in Design Week’s latest piece by Rob Alderson, which explores the realities of freelance life in the design industry. It’s a timely and important read, highlighting key challenges around fair pay, skills development, and industry-wide support. A crucial read, especially in the context of our latest Design Economy research. Read more here: https://ow.ly/GgrG50VbGoy #DesignEconomy #FreelanceDesign #FairPay #Upskilling #DesignForPlanet

The Environmental and Social Value of Design is here! For the first time, environmental and social impact are placed alongside economic value as core components of design’s contribution to the UK. The latest Design Economy Report reveals how businesses embedding sustainable design are gaining a competitive advantage—from reducing costs and emissions to creating new revenue streams through circular business models. Key insights from the report: ? Sustainable design is a business opportunity—enhancing efficiency, resilience & innovation ? Designers need better training & impact measurement tools to meet future challenges ? Policy, business & education must align to close the growing green skills gap Featuring case studies that highlight real-world examples of how design is transforming industries, from low-carbon construction to circular product innovation. Read the full report here: https://ow.ly/J2k150VbI47 #DesignEconomy #SustainableDesign #CircularEconomy #FutureSkills #GreenBusiness #DesignForPlanet

The secret’s out! ?? World Design Congress 2025 is bringing together global innovators, industry leaders, and creative minds to explore how design can tackle the climate crisis—and Early-bird passes are on sale now! Be in the room as Thomas Heatherwick, Charlot Magayi, Indy Johar, and other visionary speakers share bold ideas, breakthrough innovations, and actionable solutions for a sustainable future. Want in on an exclusive 15% discount? Use password LON25EXCLUSIVE to unlock the page and claim your pass. ?? 9-10 September 2025 ?? Barbican Centre, London Book now: https://ow.ly/cjUt50Va8q5 Get yours before they’re gone! #WDC2025 #DesignForPlanet #WorldDesignCongress #SustainableDesign #ClimateAction #Innovation World Design Organization

Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and Work Advance have launched a new Creative Employer Skills Survey, to address critical skills gaps in the sector. Co-funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Creative Industries Council, this survey will collect data from 1,300 creative businesses across the UK, shaping the future of skills development by examining: ?? Skills shortages and gaps ?? Training provision ?? Future skills needs This data will directly inform the Creative Industries Sector Plan, and supports our mission to upskill 1 million designers by 2030 to ensure the UK’s creative workforce is ready for the future. It also contributes to our Design Economy work, strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in design. Find out more: https://ow.ly/hoJq50V9wT4 #CreativeIndustries #SkillsMission #FutureOfWork #Innovation #CreativeSkills