What does design research do?

This paper examines the aims, approaches, and impact of a selection of 62 con-temporary design research projects in the UK. Whilst there is general acknowl-edgement that design research can contribute to the social, cultural, environ-mental and economic fabric of a nation, there is little evidence (to date) that ar-ticulates clearly the specific impact(s) of design research. This work, conducted over a four-year period (2017 to 2021), involved working with over 2,000 design researchers. Building, maintaining, and articulating impact is vitally important in the current research funding climate in the UK where there are significant pres-sures for governments and organisations to prioritise what are deemed to be es-sential components of a functioning society. As such, this paper aims to highlight the power and impact of UK-based design research across social, economic, cul-tural, and environmental contexts that contribute to a diverse and rich national landscape.