The RCA Helen Hamlyn Centre works with a range of academic and business partners, and with funding from UK research councils. Its core research focus is the study and application of Inclusive Design. This builds on the DesignAge action research programme at the RCA in the 1990s, led by centre co-founder Roger Coleman, which explored design for ageing populations.
As part of its research into a more socially inclusive approach to design, which responds to more diverse populations in terms of age and ability, the centre has developed key user-centred design methodologies and diversified into two new research areas: Design for Patient Safety, led by Roger Coleman, and Workplace Design, led by centre co-founder Jeremy Myerson.
All three research themes are underscored by practice-based investigation by new RCA design graduates on the Helen Hamlyn Research Associates Programme, by a record of professional and academic publishing in the field, and by UK Research Council awards.
