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At a time when style and surface have been superior for many, the search for the theme of a world design event led to a new paradigm. INDEX: was originally conceived by designer Johan Adam Lindeballe and Danish Permanent Secretary Jørgen Rosted as a world event. The goal was to brand Denmark by the use of traditional design. In order to attract tourists and investments to Denmark, major cultural events were launched in Copenhagen.
We strive to understand what a world event for design should focus on and offer in order to be globally relevant. Upon establishing INDEX: we traveled, talked, and listened to designers, the media, CEOs, heads of design and innovation, academics, and to artists from all over the world. Everyone, no matter where or how distinctive their settings were, pointed to the human potential of design and the value of design perception, not only in traditional products but also in the design of services, processes, and systems. These conversations established the promotion of Design to Improve Life, not only because it is globally relevant but also because in a beautiful way, it could perpetuate the humane and democratic tradition of Danish Design.
No design events were built around this focus in 2002, and most designers did not focus on designing to improve life and businesses. They did not see the commercial potential in social and sustainable design. With globalization, urbanization, and the growth of emerging economies in the BRIC countries, many were looking for social and sustainable approaches to global challenges at the cost of the environment and natural resources. Significant events such as Muhammad Yunus receiving a Nobel Peace Prize, and the publication of The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid by C. K. Prahalad gave way to a new focus of finding innovative solutions for both developed and developing countries.
While INDEX: was not alone, it sat on the tip of the wave. Now, all design events, design conferences, and many design agencies around the world recognize the power of Design to Improve Life and allocate at least part of their program, work, or resources to advance the agenda. The private sector has followed suit, realizing the sizable commercial potential in designs that have the capacity to improve people’s lives. International foundations have also adopted innovative approaches to philanthropy, most notably the Rockefeller Foundation, with a focus on “Innovation for Development”.
The INDEX:Award has become a key player in the field of social and sustainable design for the global design community by continually promoting Design to Improve Life and globally touring with the Award Exhibition.
While INDEX: is anchored in promoting Design to Improve Life, we are also committed to applying design methodologies and processes through our Education and Lab profiles by working collaboratively with people from around the world to find tangible solutions to pressing global challenges.
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