The Institute for Design Informatics aims to be an agent of change, making a difference to society through computational and design thinking: improving things, bit by bit. A collaboration between the Schools of Design and Informatics at the University of Edinburgh, our vision is for Scotland to be a world leader in designing with data and intelligent systems.

The Institute for Design Informatics brings together expertise from data science, creative concept development and human-centered design methodologies to explore and understand how data and emerging technologies transforms the ways in which we work, live, play and care for each other. This combination of skills and interests allows us to design new products, capabilities and services that have meaning and value to people, and positioning Scotland as a world leader in designing with data.  

We’re tackling how developments in machine learning and artificial intelligence might unlock the potential of designers and users, and producers and consumers to work together to generate new social and economic value. 

Research at the Institute for Design Informatics is action-led and design-based. It is a cornerstone of our mission to inspire, equip and nurture a new generation of researchers, practitioners and entrepreneurs with the skills to place people and the environment at the heart of emerging technological developments.

Our work is supported by the Scottish Funding Council and the ERDF-funded Open Innovation programme, with projects funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Technology Strategy Board and others. 

We have strong partnerships with non-academic bodies, such as Oxfam, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), SkyScanner, NHS 24, Philips Design, Legal & General, NatWest, Transport for Edinburgh, Edinburgh Museums & Galleries and The Assembly Rooms.