Design Made Better

We are a diverse group of design researchers working together across a range of design disciplines and projects. We established NCAD DesignLabs to capture this research and to build further collaborations in three key areas: Health, Learning and Circularity. Each DesignLab focuses on a particular research theme and conducts research with a distinct set of partnerships and collaborations. Our first fully established DesignLab is focused on Health and is in partnership with HSE Spark and located within The Digital Hub.

Design Made Better

The Labs

Health
A diverse group of designers and researchers dedicated to advancing the field of design for health. Using applied design-led methodologies to create products, services, experiences and interventions that improve health outcomes and promote wellbeing.

Circularity
The Circularity Lab aims to convene and empower Ireland’s design community to co-create innovative and circular design solutions to the most pressing environmental and societal problems of our time.

Learning
A dynamic and internationally-engaged research hub for design learning. Our researchers aim to push the boundaries of design education and learning, and foster innovative modes of engagement and impact beyond the academy.

How we work

Our design process considers the needs of both people and the planet. Working closely with professionals, institutions and users we draw on a range of perspectives and expertise. We use design tools to map and understand human experiences, to visualise service structures and to share and test new ideas. This approach allows us to develop solutions that are impactful, inclusive and sustainable.

Our research expertise spans a wide spectrum of design disciplines including: Service, Product, Medical, Interaction, Fashion, Jewellery, Textiles, Graphic, Illustration and Moving Image. The value of this diverse expertise can be seen in our ability to research, design and communicate for systems, services, digital interfaces, materials and products