The Design Research for Change exhibition has been organised by the AHRC to feature examples of funded projects that “traverse disciplinary, methodological, geographical, and conceptual boundaries” and  “illustrate wide-ranging social, cultural, and economic impact”. 

Dr Evans was Principal Investigator on the ‘Thinking Materials’ project, which explored ways in which industrial designers can add value to sustainable indigenous materials from low and middle income countries. The aim of the project was to establish supply chain networks that create employment opportunities and reduce poverty.

The project involved collaboration with academics at Aston University, Kampala University (Uganda), University of Nairobi (Kenya), Bandung Institute of Technology (Indonesia) and Middle East University (Turkey).

A distinctive outcome from the project was a fold-out design tool to inspire designers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders by providing examples of 39 innovative products that were designed by the project collaborators.

In addition to the fold-out cards that were distributed to 146 low and middle income countries, the design tool has been made available on the project website that also includes a three minute project video.

The Design Research Change exhibition takes placed at the Old Truman Brewery from 20- 23 September 2018, with tickets available to purchase online.