Enabled by Design is a community of people passionate about Design for All. We believe that good design can support people to live as independently as possible, by helping to make day-to-day tasks that little bit easier.

Born out of a desire to challenge the one-size-fits-all model of assistive equipment, Enabled by Design has evolved from a single-minded focus on product design to cover all aspects of good design that can support independent living, including service design, technology and the built environment.

Enabled by Design was inspired by co-founder Denise Stephens’ experiences following her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) when Denise was assessed by an occupational therapist (OT) and given a range of assistive equipment to help her to be as independent as possible. Although this equipment made a huge difference to her life, she became frustrated as her home started to look more and more like a hospital.

Enabled by Design is a diverse community of people with disabilities, older people, designers, health and social care professionals, retailers and manufacturers. Its strength lies in its people-centred approach, engaging and working with a range of stakeholders to improve products and services to better meet individual needs and preferences. User engagement runs throughout its work, with a unique approach, both on and offline, involving the use of social media to engage, involve, share and learn.

Enabled by Design was part of the independent living stream of the Innovation Exchange’s Next Practice Programme, as well as a Level 1 and Level 2 Better Net UnLtd (Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs) award winner.