INDEX: is a Denmark-based nonprofit organization which works towards promoting designs aimed at the improvement of the life of people worldwide, both in developed and developing countries.[1]
It was established in 2002 under the patronage of the Crown Prince of Denmark. It is supported by the Danish Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs, the Danish Enterprise and Construction Authority, Den Obelske Familiefond and Konsul George Jorck og Hustru Emma Jorck’s Fond.[2]
INDEX: was initially proposed by designer Johan Adam Lindeballe and Danish Permanent Secretary Jørgen Rosted as a world design event in order to promote Denmark, to attract tourism and investments.[2] However soon it acquired a global perspective and its mission has become expressed in its motto: "Design to Improve Life".[3]
Design to Improve Life is promoted my means of the design award (INDEX: Award), a world-touring exhibition, a summer camp, conferences, and publications.[4]
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The biennial INDEX: Award was initiated in 2005. Financed by the state of Denmark, with a total prize sum of 500,000 euros, it became world's largest monetary award in the area of design. Award presentation has becoma a major even, with an exhibition fo the finalists sited in public squares of hosting cities with free admission.[3]
Projects from all over the world are nominated for the Award, to be judged by an international jury. The award is given out in five categories – Body, Home, Work, Play and Community.[3]
In 2009, there were over 700 nominations from 54 countries.[3][5]
The winners were chosen from 538 nominees representing 43 countries[7]