What inspired you to establish the A' Accessibility, Assistive Technologies and Inclusive Design Award, and how has your mission evolved over the years?

When we started the A' Design Award in 2008, very early we recognised that most design awards functioned like beauty pageants—rewarding aesthetic appeal above all else. Yet for accessibility, assistive technology and inclusive design, the criteria must go far deeper: ergonomics, ease of use and adaptability are paramount. Our goal was to create awareness of designs that genuinely improve lives, while also incentivising industry professionals to innovate in ways that lead to positive social impact. 

Over the years, our mission has expanded to educate the public on why inclusivity matters, encouraging a shift in design culture to make accessibility and usability top priorities. By highlighting these values, we aim to catalyse a broader conversation about universal design, one that permeates public policy and everyday practice. Ultimately, we hope that widespread recognition of inclusive projects will inspire more collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches that elevate accessibility for all.

How do you see design and innovation shaping the future of ageing globally, and what role do accessibility-focused awards play in accelerating positive change?

Contrary to the misconception that design is mostly about aesthetics, at A' Design Awards, we believe design is the philosophy of advancing and reiterating technology; good design involves art, science and technology converging to solve real-world problems, again and again, better at each iteration. In the long run, we envision design and innovation reshaping biology itself—through emerging tools like CRISPR and mRNA technologies—to potentially extend healthy lifespans. However, for those who do not wish to modify their genes or lack the resources to do so, and especially today where such nascent technologies are not yet fully developed, accessibility-focused awards are invaluable: they help identify, reward, and promote products and projects that improve everyday life. In turn, these recognitions generate demand, which drives scaling, profitability and further innovation—a self-reinforcing cycle that benefits society at large. 

Holistically, incentives like awards serve as a powerful engine that motivates both established brands and emerging designers to address overlooked needs. By creating a thriving ecosystem where inclusive solutions are celebrated, we foster an environment where diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research can converge to support healthier, more fulfilling lives for older adults.

In what ways does your competition influence industries—such as architecture, product design, and technology—to prioritise inclusivity and ageing-friendly solutions?

We specifically feature categories dedicated to accessibility solutions in architecture, product design and technology. Even in our other award segments (we award designers in 186 categories) we incorporate accessibility as a key evaluation criterion, urging entrants to consider how their products or services can serve people of all abilities. This multi-domain approach ensures that every touchpoint, from websites to household appliances, is examined through an inclusive lens. By applying accessibility criteria widely, we encourage a domino effect where industries recognise the market potential and social responsibility of accessible design. Over time, this can result in a shift in corporate strategy and product development, making inclusive design standard rather than niche.

What trends or emerging technologies do you foresee making the biggest difference in accessibility and ageing over the next decade?

We anticipate a surge in personalised and niche solutions—customisable products that adapt to individual needs. However, the largest impact may come from incorporating accessibility principles into adjacent industries—such as architecture, interior design, fashion and consumer electronics—so that inclusion is built into everyday life, not treated as an afterthought. Beyond personalisation, advancements in AI and wearable technology could proactively address age-related challenges, from predictive health monitoring to user-friendly interfaces for limited mobility or dexterity. By weaving accessibility into these ever-evolving fields, we ensure that the benefits of innovation are felt by all demographics. We have specialised categories for wearable technologies and medical devices that address these foresights.

How do you ensure that the innovative ideas and designs recognised by the award translate into real-world solutions that benefit older adults on a larger scale?

Our primary strategy is to give winners significant publicity. We translate their work into 108 languages, publish it across 138+ publications, issue multiple press releases and provide more than 188 benefits to A’ Design Award laureates. This level of exposure drives demand, which in turn stimulates market interest and investment, fuelling further innovation. By showcasing these solutions to a vast audience—over 856 million page views so far—we raise awareness and encourage entrepreneurs to capitalise on that demand, ensuring that good ideas don’t remain niche but instead reach those who need them most. Visibility is often the key link between cutting-edge research and practical application. By engaging consumers, policymakers, and the media, we foster an environment where inclusive design is recognised, funded and rapidly brought to market, ultimately amplifying positive outcomes for older adults and others who benefit from accessible solutions.