THE FUTURE PERFECT COMPANY
The Future Perfect Company supports and promotes creative businesses and has a focus on ageing through its flagship student design project, Designing for the Future.
Founded by former lawyer, Philippa Aldrich in 2009, the company has run the Designing for the Future project for hundreds of UK design students and supported many graduates and start up creative businesses through the DFF Network.
Product design – the next step for the independent living market
A year ago, the emerging independent living market was grappling with the dual challenges of raising awareness of the products available to help people live independently and convincing consumers of the benefits of products which often had negative associations. This time last year there seemed to be 4 models: 1. “Trip- Advisor” style consumer-led rating system such as that proposed by consultants, Years Ahead 2. Certification system such as Age UK’s Engage Accreditation system 3. Online communities such as Enabled by Design which is “a social business and community of people who are passionate about Design for All” who share advice and
TFPC featured on Living Map of Ageing Innovators
We are thrilled that The Future Perfect Company has been featured on the The Living Map of Innovators which is a Nesta aging project. Looks interesting (and not just because we are featured!) For more details, click on The Living Map of Innovators
RSA Design Awards
2013 is turning out to be another busy year! As well as running the Designing for the Future competition with the Faculty of Arts, University of Brighton, I have been invited to judge the RSA Student Design Awards and in particular the category, The Good Journey. The Good Journey brief, sponsored by NCR, challenges students to make people look forward to their daily commute. As a former commuter (a four hours round trip on a bad day), this is a topic close to my heart and I look forward to seeing the entries. There are a number of other interesting categories in
Move It or Lose It! founder wins major award
Fantastic to hear that Julie Robinson, founder of Move It or Lose It! exercise DVDs has won a National Diversity Award. The Awards celebrate the achievements of grass-root communities tackling the issues in today's society. Julie picked up the Entrepreneurial Award for Excellence in the Age category. Julie Robinson is a specialist teacher of exercise for older or less able people of any age and runs a network of classes in the Midlands area. The Move it or Lose it! DVD reaches those who cannot get to an exercise class or as an additional resource for those who can. "The idea
What’s wrong with Marks & Spencer?
Three years into the latest chief executive's reign, Marks & Spencer has once again reported poor Christmas trading figures, reigniting the debate about the decline of this great British institution. Marks & Spencer, M&S, Marks, Marks & Sparks, St Michael's - call it what you will, this retailer has anchored our high streets for much of its 129 year history inspiring deep loyalty in its customers despite not always delivering on its brand promises. The residents of our small Sussex town, for example, flock to M&S despite universally believing that we have been fobbed off with a "second tier" M&S which is much inferior
Can small dogs save your life?
A couple of weeks ago the RSPCA started a campaign to encourage more older people to consider getting a pet not only for companionship but because of the potential health benefits. Pets are often an excellent source of companionship. They can act as a support system for older people without any family or close friends nearby and can also work as a buffer against social isolation, encouraging people to leave the house and widen their social networks. The responsibility of caring for an animal can also give a sense of purpose after retirement, a reason to get up in