The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design

The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design in London is the Royal College of Art's largest and longest-running centre for design research. It is an international leader in people-centred and inclusive design – the process of designing products, services and systems for ease of use by the maximum number of people.

Founded in 1991 and endowed by the Helen Hamlyn Trust, our purpose is to conduct design research and projects with industry that will contribute to improving people’s lives. Our interdisciplinary approach is based around the activities of three research labs – Age & Ability, Work & City and Healthcare. Each lab has developed its own empathic and innovative research methods, working in partnership with a wide range of business, industry, government, academic and third-sector partners.

Our expertise in healthcare has extended from design policy and information, to the development of systems, services and products, and our projects include a total redesign of the interior space of the emergency ambulance.
Contact person

Ed Matthews
Senior research fellow
Contact info

The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design