Research for design using a conference principle as educational method
Year: 2010
Editor: Boks W; Ion, W; McMahon, C and Parkinson B
Author: Stilma, Margot
Section: RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
Page(s): 498-503
Abstract
Industrial Design Engineering is a very interesting working field to perform in-depth research. To students, unfortunately, these possibilities are not always known. Therefore, a course set up was
developed which implemented a research approach in a design & styling master course. The attention to research is actively attracted by imitating a conference set up. It is combined with design by
incorporating an exhibition at the conference. All students have to restyle the same existing product, using the product architecture as starting point. Their restyling is done based on literature research in different fields. At the end of the course, students present their design process in a visual report, a mock up and a paper at the conference with exhibition. Interesting to see is that due to course set up, very interesting designs are made. With the compact information gathering of consumer values and design approaches, and due to different students studying varied approaches simultaneously, the students get to adapt models and combine information to match to their specific value groups of people. Course evaluation shows that students appreciate and value this course set up very much.
Keywords: Design education, value centred styling, product design, industrial design