Scope
Design Exchange Partnerships (DEPs) are three-way collaborative projects which seek to demonstrate tangible impact on local communities by stimulating the real-world application of high-quality arts and humanities-led design research to address challenges related to achieving green transition goals. DEPs aim to:
- stimulate strategic partnerships that support career development and the development of hybrid skills
- increase the diversity of voices and actors consulted in and contributing to addressing the climate crisis
- enable the development of new products and services that have a positive impact in the real-world
For this round, we are focusing on the theme of more-than-human to develop solutions to address the UK’s green transition. While design is being used to transform the planet, often to great benefit, the consequences of design are not always positive for the environment.
More-than-human design refers to the idea of designing for impact beyond humans. It promotes the idea that to explore the future we face; we also need to consider the non-human centred world view.
We welcome broad interpretations of the theme of more-than-human, including but not limited to one or more of the following areas:
- technology/AI
- materials
- the natural world
- health and wellbeing
- urban environments
Projects may focus on any challenges or areas that will support progress towards green transition goals, including but not limited to any combination of:
- more-than- human, such as improving the design and delivery of green policies and initiatives to more effectively support behaviour change
- technical, such as design and testing of new prototypes or other interventions that advance technology readiness levels (TRLs)
- economic or commercial, such as design of new business models or interventions that advance market readiness levels (MRLs)
- structural, such as infrastructure planning and decarbonisation provision
Find out more about TRLs and MRLs from Innovate UK.
We welcome proposals for, and will support a diverse portfolio showcasing, a range of different types of design intervention, from product or service level innovation through to strategic, systems-level design thinking. Browse examples of previously awarded DEP projects.
The project should demonstrate human-centred design research processes and thinking. You can include activities to:
- develop high-value innovation opportunities and define what makes a desirable, fit-for-purpose solution
- create ideas for new or significantly improved products or services
- test and improve ideas by using fast, low-cost visuals, prototypes or simulations
- clearly communicate ideas ready for further investment, and research and development activity
- understand human motivations and behaviour through, for example, observation, interviews, role-play and workshops
Projects should demonstrate clear pathways to measurable outcomes of benefit to all partners both within the project period and beyond.
Named applicant
The project lead must be the named academic supervisor, who must evidence institutional support for the project.
Assessors will need to see evidence of support from all stakeholders in the project, including all higher education institutions and non-academic partners.
Research associate
The application should demonstrate how the research associate will benefit from the project from a skills development perspective. The associate must be named in the application at the time of submission (they cannot be recruited to the project post-award) and their research background, interests and qualifications must be central to the project partnership and development.
For more information on the background of this funding opportunity, go to the Additional information section.
Duration
The duration of this award is either six months or 12 months depending on the level of funding.
Projects must start by 1 February 2025. All projects must be concluded no later than 31 January 2026.
Funding available
The full economic cost of your project can be either up to £62,500 for six months or £125,000 for 12 months. You must apply for either six or 12 months duration for your project.
We will fund 80% of the full economic cost (FEC).
In addition to the above, the non-academic partner is required to provide a minimum contribution of 10% of the FEC (5% for micro-organisations, defined in the GOV.UK Department for International Trade small and medium-sized enterprises action plan). Part of this contribution can be in-kind, up to 5% of the FEC.
If you intend to have more than one non-academic partner, each of their contributions will need to meet the requirements above and be detailed in your application.
What we will not fund
For this funding opportunity, we are not seeking proposals based solely in technical design disciplines such as engineering design and design for manufacture, although creatively-led projects incorporating technical aspects are welcome.
We are not seeking proposals aimed at creating visual identity elements, graphics or style guides, unless these are essential to the creation of a new product or service.
Projects that do not engage directly with the theme or seek to develop a generic approach to a wider green transition challenge will be considered outside of the scope of this funding opportunity.
