The Centre for Design Innovation (CDI) leads the research and development of fundamental, strategic and transformative design solutions.

Our team tackle deviously complex problems to generate new knowledge and drive real-world social, health, environmental and economic benefit. We do this with a strong client-focused capability, integrating the voices of clients and communities to create impactful research outcomes with commercial distinction.

Housed within a range of innovative facilities, our award-winning projects and core programs are aligned with national research priorities and Swinburne’s 2025 Research Vision.

Our research is focused within three core programs:

Our partners

We engage various groups and world-leading researchers, using first-class resources to design, validate, test and commercialise innovative ideas. Our partners include renowned companies, entrepreneurs, NGOs and government organisations.

Our research facilities

Our research is conducted with a range of state of the art facilities and platforms including the Digital interactive presentation facility, the Protolab and the iHUB National Urban Research Platform.

Our study option

We nurture and collaborate with PhD design students from various design disciplines and countries. For those who come through an Honours or Master's pathway, the Centre for Design Innovation is the next step into advanced design knowledge development, enabling graduates to become leaders in strategic and meaningful design innovation. 

Find out more about applying for a research degree.

Centre news

  • A big idea for big change in the lives of under-privileged Indigenous youth

    • Design
    Swinburne Master of Design student Luke Ebert has been named as a postgraduate finalist in The Big Idea competition run by The Big Issue.
    Read more (A big idea for big change in the lives of under-privileged Indigenous youth)
    Tuesday 29 November 2016

  • Students release wild animals in Melbourne to teach us a lesson

    • Design

    Campaign shows how road users can be so distracted they can miss wild animals roaming the streets in the city

    Read more (Students release wild animals in Melbourne to teach us a lesson)
    Monday 20 July 2020

  • This is how we create the age-friendly smart city

    • Social Affairs
    • Design

    Director of Swinburne’s Future Self and Design Living Lab, Associate Professor Sonja Pedell discusses how city environments can be designed to meet the needs and personal goals of older Australians

    Read more (This is how we create the age-friendly smart city)
    Friday 05 March 2021

  • Centre for Design Innovation launches at Swinburne

    • Design
    The Centre for Design Innovation (CDI) has officially launched at Swinburne University of Technology’s Hawthorn campus.
    Read more (Centre for Design Innovation launches at Swinburne)
    Monday 21 November 2016

  • Students show how sustainability is more than recycling

    • Design

    Leaf blowers designed by students for a ‘right to repair’ showcase demonstrate the importance of repairability in sustainable design practises.  

    Read more (Students show how sustainability is more than recycling)
    Wednesday 21 December 2022

Find more news articles about the Centre for Design Innovation.

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How you can reach us

Media

We value supporting accurate and informed media information and invite journalists to contact us via email or phone as listed below.

cdiadmin@swinburne.edu.au
+61 3 9214 6072

Postal address

Centre for Design Innovation
Advanced Manufacturing and Design Centre (AMDC)
469-477 Burwood Rd
Hawthorn VIC 3122 Australia

Collaborate with the Centre for Design Innovation

We always welcome new partners. If you are interested in transforming ideas into commercially competitive outcomes, need the support of our research or have any other queries, contact us on +61 3 9214 6072 or email cdiadmin@swinburne.edu.au.

Contact us