Hello
I am a practitioner of design in visual communications, I am currently
endeavoring to complete research into design practice. I have my reasons for
this.
Contemporary design pedagogy may have its short comings, but it is not only
academia that is to blame. I have some sympathy with what Deana is saying.
Her last point rings true. Why? Design is a highly competitive industry.
Designers aren't known for freely sharing knowledge about their own
practice, methods, processes... whatever. That is not the fault of Tertiary
institutions, but at the same time the tertiary sector hasn't done an awful
lot of research into design practice in the broader perspective.
Design practice has changed dramatically in the last decade or so because of
the technological revolution that directly impacts on design in its various
forms in many ways... the dirty word deadline comes first to mind. The
activities of design happen at a pace that was probably unforeseen prior to
this technological revolution.
I support Deana, to quote McCullagh "Practice informing theory, theory
informing practice" a praxis. Something like that anyway. (Sorry can't be
stuffed looking up notation in endnote, late). I should think that makes my
position clear.
Practice shouldn't be blaming the tertiary sector for problems of its own
making, or vice-versa. Talk. Research, independent and post-grad.
Little ol' me I'm trying to make my contribution in exactly the area of
practice... mapping, modeling, analysing - whatever. What I hope it will do
is bring design pedagogy up to date - at least make some contribution, I
hope. I also hope more people will start to take a closer look at this
fundamental part of the discipline of design.
Does this make sense!
Kind regards
Kirk Forder
Masters Candidate
South Australian School of Art
University of South Australia
Hi
I would like to contribute to this discussion about the value of design
education.
There are many dedicated educators, who work closely with industry to ensure
that the students are equipped, prepared and ready for their roles as design
practitioners. I think that is it very disheartening to hear that such
broad brush
stokes are being made. As an educator these comments can be extremely
useful as they help us reflect and refine what we offer the students during
their
educational journey with us. What would be more helpful to any further
discussions would be what design companies and practitioners feel are
essential
and desirable skills.
I thought that we were a team give educators something to work with.
Best wishes
Deana McDonagh
Associate Professor of Industrial Design
School of Art + Design
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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