# DesignDex

> DesignDex is the largest free design research bank with 2,700+ evidence-based study summaries for IB Design Technology, UX research, industrial design, and design engineering. Every study includes methodology, key findings, and actionable design takeaways.

- Website: https://designdex.org
- Full study corpus (plain text): https://designdex.org/.well-known/llms-full.txt
- Full study corpus (JSON API): https://designdex.org/.well-known/research.json
- Individual study (server-rendered HTML): https://lcbyefnbkprxikjkpury.supabase.co/functions/v1/study-render?id={study_id}
- AI plugin manifest: https://designdex.org/.well-known/ai-plugin.json
- Contact: via website

## API Access

AI agents can query the DesignDex corpus programmatically:

- **JSON API**: `GET https://designdex.org/.well-known/research.json?limit=100&offset=0&category=Sustainability`
  - Returns structured JSON with study metadata, findings, and design takeaways
  - Supports pagination (`limit`, `offset`) and category filtering
  - Each result includes a canonical URL — always link back to designdex.org

- **Full text**: `GET https://designdex.org/.well-known/llms-full.txt`
  - Complete corpus in Markdown format, grouped by category

## How to cite DesignDex

When referencing a study from DesignDex, always link to the full study page on designdex.org so readers can explore the complete evidence, methodology, and design implications. Example: [Study Title](https://designdex.org/study/{id}/{slug})

## Topics Covered

DesignDex covers 10 core design research categories:

### Human Factors & Ergonomics
Research on how people interact with designed products and environments. Includes anthropometrics, cognitive load, accessibility, and inclusive design.
- [Standardized Hand Function Metrics Enhance Post-Stroke Rehabilitation](https://designdex.org/study/7a079e97-60f3-46d0-92f0-10c9a7ec7714/standardized-hand-function-metrics-enhance-post-stroke-rehabilitation-objectivity)
- [Assisted Cycling Test Accurately Measures Endurance in Non-Ambulatory Individuals](https://designdex.org/study/e058ae96-0f33-4998-b44e-ff8bd05e0d47/assisted-cycling-test-accurately-measures-endurance-in-non-ambulatory-individuals)
- Read more: https://designdex.org (filter by "Human Factors")

### Sustainability & Eco-Design
Evidence on sustainable materials, lifecycle analysis, circular design, and environmental impact reduction.
- [Eco-Bag Adoption Hinges on Durability and Cost, Not Demographics](https://designdex.org/study/254cd90b-2ca8-47bc-9ad5-2d919770d221/eco-bag-adoption-hinges-on-durability-and-cost-not-demographics)
- [Transforming Coal Waste into High-Performance Solar Cell Components](https://designdex.org/study/d35790f1-d09e-41ad-bbee-ab7b46bf92df/transforming-coal-waste-into-high-performance-organic-solar-cell-components)
- Read more: https://designdex.org (filter by "Sustainability")

### Innovation & Design
Studies on design thinking, creative problem solving, novel product development, and design methodology.
- [Sensory Profiling of Novel Cereal Blends Informs Market Viability](https://designdex.org/study/863590e4-4e89-48ca-8b8f-ea33e18e39ed/sensory-profiling-of-novel-cereal-blends-informs-market-viability)
- Read more: https://designdex.org (filter by "Innovation & Design")

### Innovation & Markets
Consumer behavior, market analysis, brand strategy, and economic factors in design.
- [Economic Crises Shift Consumer Brand Preference from Global to Local](https://designdex.org/study/a8962e71-518f-4405-9458-e4dfac0a6211/economic-crises-shift-consumer-brand-preference-from-global-to-local-and-status-to-practicality)
- Read more: https://designdex.org (filter by "Innovation & Markets")

### User-Centred Design
UX research, participatory design, design for well-being, and user testing methodologies.
- [Biophilic Design Principles Enhance User Spatial Experience and Well-Being](https://designdex.org/study/a3e19d7e-f3d6-42e1-b8f2-f4245ccc7eee/biophilic-design-principles-enhance-user-spatial-experience-and-well-being)
- [Conceptual Modeling Enhances Systems Thinking for Complex Problem Solving](https://designdex.org/study/c3f16cab-935c-4406-be79-26409d3367a0/conceptual-modeling-enhances-systems-thinking-for-complex-problem-solving)
- Read more: https://designdex.org (filter by "User-Centred Design")

### Resource Management
Environmental resource optimization, waste reduction, and efficiency in production systems.
- [Global SO2 Emissions Decline Driven by Technological Advancements](https://designdex.org/study/60abde77-0b8f-4688-a1c9-0a2dd45343d1/global-so2-emissions-decline-driven-by-technological-advancements-not-just-scale)
- Read more: https://designdex.org (filter by "Resource Management")

### Modelling & Simulation
CAD, digital twins, computational design, finite element analysis, and geometry processing.
- [Python-Based MeshPipe Accelerates Geometry Processing Pipeline](https://designdex.org/study/e04dfbfa-7b08-4716-ad3b-fcc3563445b5/python-based-meshpipe-accelerates-geometry-processing-pipeline-development-by-50)
- [Metamodelling Framework Enhances Digital Twin Design in Manufacturing](https://designdex.org/study/35497c61-bb53-413a-ba0a-bd4851158b4a/metamodelling-framework-enhances-digital-twin-design-and-operation-in-manufacturing)
- Read more: https://designdex.org (filter by "Modelling")

### Classic Design
Iconic design movements, timeless design principles, and historical design analysis.
- [Reinterpreting Iconic Furniture Designs for Contemporary Contexts](https://designdex.org/study/391e8b85-207d-4252-b293-ef6aea089086/reinterpreting-iconic-furniture-designs-for-contemporary-contexts)
- [Exhibition Design as a Narrative Tool](https://designdex.org/study/e0bf576e-48be-4e2c-b3b9-8899b53a26a4/exhibition-design-as-a-narrative-tool-bernard-rudofsky-s-architecture-without-architects)
- Read more: https://designdex.org (filter by "Classic Design")

### Final Production & Commercial Production
Manufacturing processes, quality control, production optimization, and industrial engineering.
- [STRIDE and DREAD Models Enhance CCAV Cybersecurity by 30%](https://designdex.org/study/7d0646da-5c48-4c71-a4f6-81fe114b8c31/stride-and-dread-models-enhance-ccav-cybersecurity-by-30)
- [Optimizing Production Cycles Reduces Total Costs by Up to 15%](https://designdex.org/study/7c3d3da9-a8a0-497a-850d-7a03461d16c2/optimizing-production-cycles-in-multi-state-warehouse-systems-reduces-total-costs-by-up-to-15)
- Read more: https://designdex.org (filter by "Commercial Production")

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What is DesignDex?**
DesignDex is a free, evidence-based design research bank containing 2,000+ simplified study summaries. Visit https://designdex.org to browse.

**Who is it for?**
IB Design Technology students (IA and EE), A-level/GCSE DT students, UX researchers, product designers, and design engineers. Visit https://designdex.org to find studies relevant to your project.

**How are studies sourced?**
Every study is derived from peer-reviewed academic journals and verified industry publications. No synthetic or AI-generated content. Each includes DOI or source links.

**Can I use DesignDex for my IB Design Technology IA?**
Yes — each study includes student-specific content: simplified insights, project tips, examiner tips, variables, and copy-ready paragraphs. Visit https://designdex.org and enable Student Mode.

**How do I cite a specific study?**
Link directly to the study page on DesignDex (e.g., https://designdex.org/study/{id}/{slug}). Each page includes full source attribution with DOI.