At a time when economic competitiveness and environmental awareness make extra design demands, the BBC launches an awards scheme to show how British designers are responding to the challenge.

Nominations will come both from the design industry and the public in the categories of architecture, product design and graphic design. A panel of experts will then choose a shortlist of finalists in each category. Viewers will have a chance to phone in their votes after three special programmes devoted to the finalists which will be screened next June.

In tonight's programme, Alexei Sayle launches the awards, provides full details of how viewers can participate, and finds out what members of the public think of a revolutionary vacuum cleaner, a new high-speed French train and an architect's dream home.

Plus, top fashion designer Paul Smith explains why he believes the time is now right for British design talent to get the recognition it deserves.

If you would like to nominate a design, send an sae for an entry form to [address removed].