How can the creative sector benefit from embracing flexible working? In this four-part series we take a look at the positive impacts on mental health, how to juggle being a parent, and the imbalance of equality still in our workplace – featuring interviews with The Guardian, Mr. President and Animade.

Designing Diversity is our way of shedding light on people leading the way in our industry and beyond. In a series of Q&As, we have been thrilled to meet some leading activists from the creative industries who are trying to make the worlds of media, fashion, branding, design and architecture a more inclusive place for people from BAME backgrounds, women, the LGBT community and the disabled. In a trio of essays, we have looked at how these findings can be applied back into recruitment in our particular industry. Our goal is to create empowerment, drive debate and, in the long run, make design reflect the world we live in better. We’ve all got lessons to learn.

Over the years we’ve given a lot of air time to designers, the ‘creatives’ in the creative industries have spent plenty of time in the spotlight. But there’s more to the commercial design process than simply designing; the account execs, project managers, producers and operations directors are just as vital to the smooth running of a full -service studio as the folks with the supreme Photoshop skills – and they have to be creative thinkers to boot. Our latest project looks at what these unsung heroes do day-to-day, and why it’s both an essential and exciting role to play.

The world of digital design is one of the most exciting, fast-moving and important parts of the creative industries. In 2015 we explored this world through profiles of some of the most interesting international practitioners and features reflecting key themes and ongoing digital design discussions.

In 2014 we took a look at the most crucial working relationship of all, and a range of industry professionals elucidated on what makes for a fulfilling, harmonious and creative dynamic; in short, what makes the Ideal Client?

Having a great portfolio won’t necessarily score you your dream job. Studios want more than just excellent design work; they’re employing a person, so your personality, professionalism and communication skills are just as important as what you’ve got in your portfolio. In our first ever project we asked some of the industry’s leading studios to share what they were looking for in a young employee and how designers could make themselves the ideal candidate.

In 2013 we turned the tables to find what makes a really stimulating creative environment. We asked studio founders, creative directors, freelancers and consultants imagine the conditions in the perfect working environment. From chairs to lighting, management structure to client relations, philosophy to free pilates, they all provided some real food for thought.