Decoding value for the digital era

INDEX is a Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE) Research Centre at the University of Exeter. Our multidisciplinary team looks at the coalescing of data with value, and its implication upon individuals, organisations, innovation and society. Our team brings together computer science, social science and engineering design perspectives.

1

Research

We are a research centre. We have 
8 funded projects
running at the moment and 20 researchers on our team.

2

Education

We share our knowledge, through
teaching and executive education. We also take part in conferences, panels and roundtables.

3

Practical use

We work with organisations to ensure that they are skilled for a digitally transformed future. We have worked with 20+ elite organisations. Why not engage with us?

Highlights

Team spotlight

Professor Saeema Ahmed-Kristensen

Saeema’s research focuses on design engineering including the impact and integration of digital technologies on: creativity and cognition, data and knowledge structuring, data-driven design process to customise products and quantifying and predicting user experiences.

Professor Alan Brown

Alan’s research is focused on agile approaches to business transformation, and the relationship between technology innovation and business innovation in today’s rapidly-evolving digital economy.

Professor Roger Maull

Roger’s initial research interest focused on Operations Management, specifically in the services sector and he has continued to publish widely on that topic.

Professor Mark Thompson

Mark’s research draws on practice-based theories to investigate the intersection between emerging digital business models, and organisational innovation and transformation.

News and events

Logo for “D.coded Podcast” on a black background, featuring a dotted circular “D” symbol and the tagline about exploring design, technology, and experiences. Below are two people seated together, one resting an arm on a wooden bench. Social media icons and handles for the podcast appear along the bottom.

Driving innovation: Design, Technology, Digital and Human Experiences

A robotic arm holding a paintbrush adds strokes to a digital artwork resembling a classic portrait, symbolizing artificial intelligence contributing to creative processes. Illustration in flat design style. Credit: Shutterstock.

DIGIT Lab Research on AI and Creativity Gains National Media Attention

Group of five people posing indoors beside a “Welcome & Registration” sign; digital screen behind them shows info about Dr. Yvette E. Pearson and Summer 2025 Final Exam schedule

DIGIT Lab at The 25th International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED25)

DT-Net General Assembly – UKRI Digital Twin Network (Swansea University, June 2025)

INDEX Researcher Ji Han Contributes to Award-Winning Paper at CHI 2025

Latest articles

Logo for “D.coded Podcast” on a black background, featuring a dotted circular “D” symbol and the tagline about exploring design, technology, and experiences. Below are two people seated together, one resting an arm on a wooden bench. Social media icons and handles for the podcast appear along the bottom.

Driving innovation: Design, Technology, Digital and Human Experiences

Abstract visualization of multicolored lines and dots converging toward the right on a dark background, symbolizing data flow, connectivity, or network integration. Credit: Shutterstock

A two-stage retrieval-augmented generation framework for producing sustainable product design guidelines

People seated around a table engaged in a design workshop activity, with colorful circular tokens and printed sheets spread out for discussion. Credit: Dr Boyeun Lee

AI-led Design Innovation: Global Workshop Series

Group of five people posing indoors beside a “Welcome & Registration” sign; digital screen behind them shows info about Dr. Yvette E. Pearson and Summer 2025 Final Exam schedule

DIGIT Lab at The 25th International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED25)

Seven people seated around a conference table in a meeting room with a large screen showing text and diagrams; red curtains cover large windows, and a framed picture hangs on the wall. Notebooks, pens, and devices are on the table.

Using Data to Drive Innovation – Smart Lights

DT-Net General Assembly – UKRI Digital Twin Network (Swansea University, June 2025)

The Future of AI In Construction

Is a ‘co-opetition’ model the way to safeguard higher education for future generations?

A business professional analyzing data on a tablet and laptop, surrounded by digital analytics dashboards with charts, graphs, and percentages. Credit: Shutterstock

My AI Strategy for 2025: Less Noise, More Signal