To promote and showcase exemplary achievements, the JANUS label (the official design label stemming from the ministerial decree of November 13, 1953) and the Prix de l'Institut Français du Design, evaluate products, services and spaces that represent an eloquent synthesis of functional, aesthetic and ethical criteria, at the crossroads of economics and the human sciences: the JANUS 5E label. 

The mission of the Conservatoire du Design et de la Marque I Centre National des Archives du design à la française is to archive, publish and exhibit the history of design and creative entrepreneurs. To broaden its audience among the general public, professionals and research circles, the Institute produces exhibitions that promote and disseminate a culture of innovation and creativity.

To encourage student designers to question the world of tomorrow, IFD organizes forward-looking research projects, including a photography competition. EXPLORE l Outside the box (10 competitions held since 2016), (designing new ways of interacting with digital technology), and Invisible Cities the JANUS de l'Etudiant.