Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
David and Goliath Crossing the Bridge
Christiaans, Henri; Almendra, Rita Assoreira
Type:
Year:
2010
Editor:
Boks W; Ion, W; McMahon, C and Parkinson B
Author:
Section:
LEARNING SPACES AND TECHNOLOGY
Page(s):
575-579
Abstract:
This paper presents the comparison of two different Design Education institutions regarding: a) the existence, weight and role of research disciplines in the Design program; b) the theme and nature of master thesis and PhD dissertations; and c) the role companies and industry in general play in driving and/or being driven by the research developed at those Design Programs.
The analysis is twofold and comprehends: 1) A micro level where a synthesis of the major discrepancies between the two institutions has been made. The different parameters to be observed and scrutinized are: the curricula, the horizontal and vertical integration of the disciplines (bachelor to PhD courses), the link of the courses with internal and external research units and the collaboration between students and companies in general. 2) A macro level addressing the context. It includes various variables such as the background of each institution and some external variables that play a key role in the way design, research, education and economical agents (companies) perceive their roles and interact. They are: the country policy/attitudes towards design and research; the degree of maturity in using design on the part of the companies; the awareness and perception the country’s design has worldwide. Being a descriptive study it is mainly based on literature, facts and figures. However, an experiment done with students from both countries collaborating with and within a company will be presented in order to illustrate the key issues addressed in this paper.
The analysis is twofold and comprehends: 1) A micro level where a synthesis of the major discrepancies between the two institutions has been made. The different parameters to be observed and scrutinized are: the curricula, the horizontal and vertical integration of the disciplines (bachelor to PhD courses), the link of the courses with internal and external research units and the collaboration between students and companies in general. 2) A macro level addressing the context. It includes various variables such as the background of each institution and some external variables that play a key role in the way design, research, education and economical agents (companies) perceive their roles and interact. They are: the country policy/attitudes towards design and research; the degree of maturity in using design on the part of the companies; the awareness and perception the country’s design has worldwide. Being a descriptive study it is mainly based on literature, facts and figures. However, an experiment done with students from both countries collaborating with and within a company will be presented in order to illustrate the key issues addressed in this paper.
Keywords:
