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

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.
Our funders
We were funded by Research England in 2020 as part of the UK government’s Grand Challenge on an Ageing Society. In 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.
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.
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.
Our People
Our team includes experts in design management and innovation, participatory research, public engagement, community outreach, and learning.
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Tracy Sharp
Design Age Institute
Senior Design Manager
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Patrick Bonnett
UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing
Director of Development
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Lynne Corner
UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing
COO and Director of VOICE
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Kenneth Howse
Oxford Institute of Population Ageing
Senior Research Fellow & Deputy Director
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Nana Nanitashvili
Oxford Institute of Population Ageing
Senior Research Officer
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Cherrelle Fergus
Design Age Institute
Administrator
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Stacey Mendez
Design Manager