Helping people age happier

Through the transformative power of design, we aim to help everyone age happier and healthier.

About us

Designing for our Future Selves

Watch our short film to find out how Design Age Institute is perfectly placed to use design led innovation to bridge the gap between people’s needs as they age and the development of desirable and commercially viable products and services that increase demand and enable happier ageing.

YouTube video

Our partners

Based at the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the Royal College of Art, we bring together skills and expertise from across a partnership of world-leading organisations in research, design, innovation and learning.

Design Museum

Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the Royal College of Art

International Longevity Centre

National Innovation Centre for Ageing at Newcastle University

Oxford Institute of Population Ageing

Our funders

We were funded by Research England in 2020 as part of the UK government’s Grand Challenge on an Ageing SocietyIn 2023 we launched the Transport & Mobility Pathfinder Innovation Programme, made possible with the generous support of  the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Healthy Ageing Challenge, delivered by Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency. 

Research England

UK Research and Innovation

Our services

We work collaboratively across sectors to help stimulate the untapped potential of the longevity economy and establish a better functioning marketplace.

Our strategic design services for business and industry include access to original research, design management support, and skills development and training.

By bringing together business leaders, designers, researchers and ageing humans, we aim to develop desirable and commercially viable products and services that meet people’s needs, wants and aspirations and enable all of us to socialise, live independently and experience joy at every age.

Looking for design expertise?  

Our team of Design Managers have 70+ years combined experience to help you connect with design experts that meet your needs.

Let us introduce you.

Design for your future self

Design is a powerful tool for translating people’s needs, wants and desires into tangible products and services.  

As home to one of the world’s largest and most advanced design sectors, the UK is uniquely equipped to apply design innovation to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly ageing population.

Find a designer  

Our People

Our team includes experts in  design management and innovation, participatory research, public engagement, community outreach, and learning.