[1] Its primary purpose is the promotion of good design in Italy and abroad.

The ADI is responsible for the administration of the Compasso d'Oro design awards and an associated museum.

[2] The ADI was founded in 1956 in Milan by a group of prominent architects, designers, and industrialists including Gio Ponti, Alberto Rosselli [it], Giulio Castelli [it], and Livio Castiglioni (who, respectively, served as the first three presidents of the organisation).

[3][4] The objective of the ADI is to promote and enhance the understanding of and impact of high-quality Italian and international design as an industrial, economic, and cultural phenomenon.

[5] The biennial Compasso d'Oro award, considered to be the most prestigious industry accolade, is granted by the ADI.