Design in Innovation
Design turns insight into impact. Innovate UK connects innovators with funding, resources and expert networks to embed design in every stage of the innovation journey.
Design is creativity managed by intention, driven by insight
Design is often understood as the pursuit of an appealing look or form. In reality, design is a complex, multidisciplinary process that shapes not only a product’s appearance but also its purpose, its function and its impact. It’s about envisioning, planning, and crafting ideas that bring value by carefully balancing various factors and addressing real needs. Design considers conceptual, social, and technical aspects of both problem and solution, and constantly seeks harmony between:
- Capability and constraint – exploring what’s possible within limitations.
- Utility and usability – ensuring designs are functional and user-centred.
- Function and form – blending effectiveness with aesthetics.
Design as a Framework for Innovation
The design framework, the Design Council’s Double Diamond, is an essential process that ensures innovations are meaningful, practical and sustainable. Businesses and innovators can encompass the conceptual, social and technical aspects of imagining, planning and executing ideas, whatever those ideas might be, ensuring a better approach to innovation.
Visit the Design Council’s resources to explore how design can inform, direct and impact your innovation.
Finding solutions using 'Design'
INSIGHT
Understanding Needs
Insight allows us to quantify and qualify unmet needs in the real world, providing deep contextual understanding for better innovation decisions. We encourage businesses to adopt design-led approaches, making.
INTENTION
Defining Purpose
Intention gives ideas meaning, aligning innovation with purpose to solve real problems and create lasting value. We connect businesses with design experts to refine their vision and keep every idea strategically focused.
CREATIVITY
Generating Possibilities
Creativity is thinking differently, pushing boundaries, and turning limitations into opportunities. It drives new products, services, and markets that redefine industries.
Capability Building
Helping businesses understand, adopt and build design-led approaches, making their innovations more effective and increasing their likelihood of adoption. Learn more about Ignite Labs.
Ignite Labs
Design insights for innovation
Our articles are dedicated to sharing thought-provoking perspectives, expert opinions, and industry analysis that illuminate key trends, challenges, and opportunities in a range of sectors and in the innovation ecosystem.
Explore Perspectives
Design impact stories
Our connections don’t make the difference. They are the difference. Discover stories of how our involvement is increasing investment in innovation leading to positive economic, societal, and environmental change – regionally, nationally and globally.
Explore case studies
The Design in Innovation Team
Innovate UK's Design in Innovation Team plays a key role within Innovate UK, supporting sector teams, the broader Innovate UK ecosystem, and external stakeholders in recognising the value of design and helping them harness its potential.
Meet our expertsDesign in Innovation Network
Our digital hub designed to fuel impactful collaboration, creativity, and innovation across all stages of business development. Connect with experts, collaborate with peers, and lead your projects with confidence. Join today to experience the difference that design-led innovation and collaborative support can make.