The UK’s craft industry can help local communities “survive and flourish”
Research into the UK’s craft economy from UCA highlights economic growth and a rise in online opportunities but also gaps in support for makers.
Retail
New store concepts, shop designs and in-store technological innovations for everything from restaurant chains to homeware retailers.
How will the shops of the future be designed?
Designers across the retail sector – from robotics and technology to interactive design – give their take on the future of shopping.
Made launches virtual apartment for “see-now-buy-now” experience
The online interiors store has created a virtual version of its Amsterdam show apartment to bring its latest collection into people’s homes.
Top tips from designers on finding work during uncertain times
While the design industry has suffered during the pandemic, there are some bright spots for those looking for work – particularly among freelance and digital sectors.
Could this “third space” concept be the office of the future?
A design solution from consultancy Seymourpowell hopes to combine the best of office life and working from home after the pandemic.
Twinings’ flagship store redesigns to focus on innovation and wellness
Dalziel and Pow has sought to help the centuries-old London space shift from a traditional retail experience to the tea brand’s “true spiritual home”.
Nissan reveals how design can usher in a “digital world” of driving
After the Japanese car brand unveiled a new digital-friendly identity last month, we speak to its design team about an electric-focused future.
Can Westminster City Council reignite Oxford Street through design?
The council has chosen design consultants Publica to provide strategic oversight for its £235 million plan, which may include “more plants, reduced traffic and fewer building emissions”.
Designers are helping the fashion industry spark a digital fashion revolution
The pandemic has forced fashion off catwalks and out of stores – this is how designers are helping move something famously tactile into the virtual world.
WRAP launches second round of £1.4 million circular plastics grant programme
The funding is in partnership with UKRI, and will award up to £150,000 to projects which “trial ways to implement refill infrastructure”.
Design Week Awards 2020 — the shortlist in full
We’re excited to announce the full shortlist for our awards below. Stay tuned later in the month for our winners showcase, which will be revealed here on the site as
Designers on post-lockdown retail design: “All our givens have been taken away”
With the latest announcement from Boris Johnson suggesting some shops could reopen as early as next month, the focus turns to how retailers can deliver safe but recognisable in-store experiences.
Design Week Awards extended until 27 March
As Coronavirus disrupted working patterns so much last week we’re giving you a few more days to get your entries together.
The “loss-making” Conran Shop has been sold to new owners
The group of interior design stores, founded by Sir Terence Conran, has found new buyers in the Marandi family.
How could the coronavirus affect design-led companies?
Economic repercussions of the global virus outbreak on companies are likely to be “severe”. Could “agile” supply chains be the answer?
Design in 2020 – what will retail design look like?
As part of our series of design in 2020, Lynn Harris, associate client services director at Cada Design, looks at what will happen in retail design in the next 12
Design Week Awards 2020 opens for entries
Entries are open for the Design Week Awards. We’re building on the success of last year’s new look awards by overhauling our digital categories and bringing you another accessible ceremony.
“Trust, transparency, and no cannabis leaves” – designing for the UK’s CBD market
Market value is set to reach almost £1 billion in the next five years, but experts say careful design is needed to ensure products don’t suffer from preconceived negative associations
“Side hustles” can help stop the “homogenisation of design” – Daljit Singh
The designer took to the stage at Design Manchester’s DM19 conference to warn against the “sans serification” of digital design and to champion the side hustle.
John Lewis trials “experience playgrounds” with newly designed concept store
If the trials are successful, the hubs – which offer everything from wine-tasting to make-up—will be rolled out country-wide.
Christmas window displays 2019: bonsai trees, mince pie machines and more
With the festive season heading our way, Design Week looks at some of London’s West End’s flagship store window displays.
How design is changing the face of adult retail
From feminist activism to partnerships with high street stores, the adult retail industry is repositioning its identity away from seedy stereotypes, and toward the mainstream.
YO! repositions to focus on the “wonders of Japanese cuisine”
The Japanese restaurant chain has refreshed its brand identity and rolled out new retail experiences in a bid to “remain relevant”.
UK fish and chips restaurant 3D-scanned and printed in China
A replica of Scotts, which has been visited by David Cameron and Chinese President Xi Jinping, has opened in the southwestern province of Sichuan.