We built our home offices, had an endless amount of virtual meetings and had our Christmas parties cancelled. But despite all the work obstacles that 2020 presented to us, our friends, alumni and community, we all adapted. And we continued to make things happen.

This year, we’ve been working hard to make meaningful contributions to the world through the mission of design to improve life — both in new areas and formats. For the next few minutes, we’ll be tooting our own horn for a little bit to celebrate some of our proudest achievements of 2020.

Storytelling through sound
In 2020, we launched ‘Can Design Save Us?’ to share the power and potential of design in a podcast format. So far, we’ve released six episodes, where our host and Communication Director Lesley Price takes us through ground-breaking innovations in space exploration, activism, fashion and food with the change-makers at the forefront. If you haven't already, remember to subscribe on Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts.

Building our community
Even during a global pandemic, we decided to gather the Index Community more frequently rather than rarely. Why do we only get in touch every two years? In total, we managed to host four digital events and one hybrid exploring topics like biodesign, a broken bond with nature, the goals of tomorrow and designing for and during a pandemic. And we promise, there’s more to come!

Reflecting on impact
What happens after winning an Index Award? This year, we decided to answer that question in partnership with former winner Laerdal Global Health. In our short ‘Impact Stories’ documentaries, we talked to the people behind Zipline, the Chulha stove, Kiva and LifeStraw to track and celebrate their incredible impact through the years.

Celebrating through culture
We published another online exhibition with Google Arts & Culture, where online visitors can explore the incredible innovations that made up the Index Award 2019 Winners. The online exhibitions on Google Arts & Culture have become an important scene for humanity's greatest achievements and virtual escapism for many in 2020.

Setting new goals
The challenges of tomorrow have arrived. The DtIL goals encompass the issues —we’ve identified as unaddressed by the SDGs— but that worry people all over the world. Based on the report made in collaboration with JA Studio in 2019, we added three new goals to our existing five: sustainable tourism, ethical leadership and generational harmony. Any takers on some life-improving designs within these themes?

Breaking new records
The best news of 2020 is that hope, ingenuity and passion for changing the world for the better is thriving. Three months before our deadline, we reached 1500 nominees for Index Award 2021. This is, of course, thanks to our talented scouts aka. the Design Spotters, and our whole community who continue to share design to improve life with us. Thank you!

Engaging the next-gen
When it comes to the award, The Index Project strives to make for a diverse and inclusive pool of nominees. That’s why we decided to engage and enable young designers all over Latin America through Diseño Responde - a local competition run in collaboration with UDD. Now, we're inviting young Latin American designers to design solution addressing COVID-19 and submit by December 31st. 

Launching new tools
Speaking of new endeavours, we launched a new platform for designers and entrepreneurs this summer. Named after what it offers, the beta-version of Tools features everything from case studies and inspirational books to an investor rolodex and job opportunities. We continue to develop the platform, so if you have any feedback, let us know!

Taking education virtual
In December, The Index Project hosted its first online workshop in collaboration with the Design Center of the Philippines. More than 25 designers were introduced and trained to use the Design to Improve Life Compass. With the team seated in Denmark, we managed to host a fruitful workshop, which not even an unexpected fire alarm in our office could shut down!

Growing the team
The more, the merrier, and this year we welcomed three new board members and three new team members! We rejoined with our former Communications Assistant Wiktorija Marszalek for an internship and welcomed Designer Sylvain Azzi.

Lastly, we want to thank all of you for another great year of design to improve life. See you in 2021!