As it is currently configured, the Design Museum concentrates on temporary exhibitions that cover the range of its interests, from graphic design and furniture to fashion, industrial design and architecture. The museum's collection is not currently on display, as the museum is in the process of reviewing its collection of over 2000 pieces of contemporary and 20th century design, as well as a handling collection and archives. The Design Museum Collection tells the history of design in mass production and includes furniture, lighting, domestic appliances and communications technology. The Collection is an important record of the key designs which have shaped the modern world. In addition, the museum is about to take over responsibility for the Conran Foundation collection, and is archiving work commissioned as part of its Designers in Residence programme.

The collection is a key part of the museum's future plans for expansion, and is currently undergoing a comprehensive review, which includes improvements in cataloguing, a new Collection database and exciting plans to bring the Collection back on display.