iD-institute launches successfully: New design directory kicks off on Dec. 1st in Hongkong

With the launch of iD-institute, Regina and Wolfgang Hanke, two Berlin-based design entrepreneurs, present their vision of an International Design Institute. The new service features an innovative design directory that helps companies to find the right designer quickly and easily, as well as a wealth of sophisticated functions and highly concentrated information. The private initiative already features 1,200 designers from eight countries, as well as numerous public organisations and world-renowned universities. International agencies and marketing professionals have also lent their support to the project.

"Local, client-specific authenticity is becoming increasingly important on the global markets. This development presents new challenges to designers and companies, but also new opportunities. The iD-institute sees itself as an information clearinghouse where companies can locate creatives with insight into a local market the company wants to enter. The institute also offers creative professionals an opportunity to expand their global networks, fine-tune their skills, and take first steps toward safeguarding their intellectual property rights," said Regina Hanke, CEO of the iD-institute, in describing this innovative idea.

To achieve that target, a search function that is both simple and globally understandable was essential. "The differences in our cultural DNAs are enormous. For us it was a tremendous challenge to bring together so many highly diverse approaches to communication and product interaction onto one website," said Hanke about the process.

After much deliberation, a simple navigation was chosen that allows the user first to select a country. One click on the icon representing that country takes the user to a directory listing every designer, institution and university that has registered so far.

"Previews appear automatically upon mouse-over, and users can earmark designers they find interesting. Each preview shows the designer's contact details, as well an overview of his or her awards, publications and reverences, space permitting," said Wolfgang Hanke, co-founder and digital mastermind of iD-institute, about the functions this unique directory offers.

The iD-institute is open to all creative professionals, universities and institutions, as well as organisations that focus on design. Registration is free of charge for universities and design organisations. Designers can choose between three different categories of "spaces" when registering.

Basic registration (roll-over space) is available for as little as 49 euros per year. "That makes this service particularly attractive for smaller agencies and freelance designers; they can present their skills in a top-rate environment without straining their budgets. We curate every entry to ensure that we maintain international standards and top-notch quality. Subscribing designers also have access to other useful functions, like the iD-Safe, our digital vault," added Hanke.

The iD-Safe is a remarkable service: designers from around the world can save their drafts with a clear timestamp in a personal digital vault, thus helping them to protect their intellectual property rights. The iD Safe is available for 9.90 euros per year.

The iD-institute also offers features like information and tips on legal basics, including sample contracts and basic information on legal issues. This content is provided by www.advokat.de, a partner company. Glossaries with definitions of design and legal terms, as well as other relevant publications and lectures, are available in the Know How section. New entries are being added regularly to this knowledge database.

An international design study on colour is planned for the spring of 2012, and starting in the summer the iD-institute will offer talks, seminars and webinars on a variety of subjects that are crucial to success in a globalised world.

Find out more on www.id-institute.com