INDEX: Award focuses specifically on Design to Improve Life, i.e. design that significantly improves life for a large number of people. View examples.

This focus differentiates the INDEX: Award from other design awards in a number of ways.

Firstly, INDEX: does not categorise design according to traditional labels – visual design, apparel, industrial design, etc. – since these categories do not fully reflect the interdisciplinary approach employed with the most interesting modern design. INDEX: asks that nominating bodies think horizontally – across design categories and industries – when selecting the best nominees for the five categories vital to human life: Body, Home, Work, Play and Community.

Next, INDEX: is concerned with both tangible and intangible design. Traditionally design has been perceived as styling and addressing function. INDEX: shares this view but more importantly views design as a problem-solving tool.

Better solutions are not created just by producing newer and better products. They are also created through the design of better overall strategies, better total concepts and better services, which is why these forms of design are also eligible for nomination.

The INDEX: Award will be presented every two years starting in 2005. This allows the INDEX: Network a number of years to develop and work together on projects related to Design to Improve Life. INDEX: Award is just one of several events focusing on Design to Improve Life. In 2005, INDEX: will stage the following events:

• INDEX: Award, with focus on what Design to Improve Life is. The best international examples of Design to Improve Life will be exhibited and a select few will be awarded.
  
• Views – Charter for Improved Life, a summit for the world’s leading creative minds who are set to formulate how designers can work with Design to Improve Life and thus address important global issues.
  
• Future Scenarios, which illustrates the importance of working with Design to Improve Life.
  

To read the rules of INDEX: Award click here