About Us

“Design is a way of looking at life. Design is fundamental it’s not superficial.”

Helen Hamlyn  

We connect innovators and entrepreneurs to inclusive design knowledge. 

We support businesses to think differently, embrace diversity, and solve challenges. 

We use creative methods to support co-production across sectors.

We deliver training in inclusive design, give keynote presentations, undertake research, and mentor entrepreneurs working in inclusive design.   Consultancy and bespoke research enquiries to: hello@designresearchassociates.co.uk

Our Founder – Jo Gooding 

Jo’s mission is to advance disability-led co-design projects and to transform assistive objects. Jo is developing a service to support inclusive design innovators to overcome barriers and deliver real-world impact.

Jo became fascinated by the design of disability objects when she was researching the history of NHS glasses. She saw that changes in delivery of ophthalmic services brought a revolution in eyewear. Spectacles are now seen as fashion accessories rather than merely medical devices.

Jo is signatory to the manifesto “Supernormal Design meets Extraordinary Bodies” and recently contributed to the exhibition Design Meets Disability at V&A Dundee. Jo trained as a design historian at the Royal College of Art and Victoria and Albert museum and has a doctorate in design from Northumbria University