Enter now
There’s a £100 early-bird discount available if you enter the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards 2012 before 27 May. Official deadline is 24 June.
The DBA Design Effectiveness Awards recognise the return on investment a coherent, well-thought-out and professionally executed design strategy can achieve. The awards are the only ones to utilise commercial data as a key judging criteria, demonstrating that successful projects require the integration of the design brief with business aims and objectives from the outset.
There are 13 categories to enter and for 2012 the product category now includes ‘Consumer’ and ‘Professional’ projects of above and below £30,000 in design fees, to enable wider participation. More details at www.effectivedesign.org.uk/index.php
Royalty free images
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched a website offering design companies a comprehensive library of royalty-free architectural images. Access it at www.ricsimagebank.org
New R&D funding stream
The Technology Strategy Board’s Grant for Research and Development has replaced the scheme previously offered by regional development agencies. The scheme now offers funding to SMEs for R&D projects from which successful new products, processes and services could emerge in science, engineering and technology and is available to single companies. Three types of grant are available, proof of market, proof of concept and development of prototype.
More information at www.innovateuk.org/deliveringinnovation/grant-for-research-and-development.ashx
Intellectual property search
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has launched an online search tool making it easier to search over 640,000 records relating to internationally protected trademarks, appellations of origin and armorial bearings, flags and other state emblems, as well as the names, abbreviations and emblems of intergovernmental organisations.
View the Global Brand Database at www.wipo.int/branddb/en/index.jsp
Working with Propeller Mobile, patent attorneys Venner Shipley have developed a new mobile application to search patent, trademark and design databases, and access other intellectual property information. The app is aimed at inventors, those managing patent or trade mark portfolios or attorneys working in the field of intellectual property.
Download the IP Tool Kit at http://itunes.apple.com/app/ip-tool-kit/id396446249?mt=8
Dutch Master
Crowds of graphic designers have been paying homage to Wim Crouwel’s iconic typography at a new exhibition of his work at the Design Museum. His work, seen on posters, stamps, catalogues and directories spans over 60 years and will inspire anyone with the remotest interest in typography and graphic design. Wim Crouwel: A Graphic Odyssey runs until 3 July.
Looking forward
Coastal West Sussex branch of the South Coast Design Forum, (SCDF) is hosting an event on eco design, packaging and messages around local produce on 14 July. For details email info@scdf.org.uk
No bunny boiler
With Easter only just behind us Jonathan Jones has picked his five top rabbits in art. From Bugs Bunny to Jeff Koon’s Rabbit and back to Durer and Titian it’s a light-hearted look at some great art. See for yourself at www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2011/apr/22/top-five-rabbits-in-art
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