2021 has been a challenging year, between the relentless march of COVID-19, geopolitical unrest, and disasters wrought by a warming planet. Designers saw the tragedy and chaos and responded with thoughtful solutions. At-home health products were expedited in the face of the pandemic. Packaging, clothing, and transit systems prioritized accessibility. And old buildings and materials got surprising second lives as the climate crisis upended, well, everything. This year’s Innovation by Design Awards have 599 honorees in 37 categories, representing thousands of people, nonprofits, and companies actively working to make the world a safer, fairer, more beautiful place.