Welcome
In 2009, Design Directions asked students to create innovative solutions to a range of briefs that covered areas including product design, graphic design, technology and socially beneficial services. The co-design of services is taking root as a key part of the briefs that feature in the scheme, and this year two 'super' briefs challenged students to propose services that would address the loneliness and social isolation of older people in 'Action for Age' and improvements to the system of prison visiting in 'The Visit'. The outcomes of these, and the other nine projects set this year can be seen here.
RSA Design Directions supports young designers in the development of their formal design skills but also encourages a broader approach that is inclusive, user focused and socially innovative.
The evidence of the display of winning work you will see here, demonstrates the appetite of emerging young designers to grapple with some of the more intractable social challenges in contemporary life and to suggest solutions that are thoughtful, design led and socially driven.