The Design for our Future Selves Awards scheme ran at the Royal College of Art from 2000 to 2008. It aimed to encourage inclusive design projects from graduating RCA students that were responsive to human behaviour and based on real insight into social need.
The awards grew out of the DesignAge Competition, which ran from 1992 to 1999, addressing the needs and aspirations of older people.
Awards brief
The brief asked: 'As a designer, architect, communicator, maker or researcher, identify a social group and engage with people in that group to develop a project that improves an aspect of their quality of life - such as their independence, mobility, health or work. Your project should demonstrate a combination of creative design thinking and user research.'
Shortlisted projects received development funding. User research and inclusive design methodology tutor support was given throughout the process.
Judging by an international panel and an award ceremony took place each year during the Royal College of Art graduation design show.
