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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.

EXPANDING HORIZONS: ENGAGING STUDENTS WITH EMPATHIC THINKING

Woodcock, Andree (1); McDonagh, Deana (2); Magee, Paul (1); Ball, Tim (1); Iqbal, Sana (1)

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Type:
Papers
DS 95: Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education (E&PDE 2019), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. 12th -13th September 2019
Year:
2019
Editor:
Bohemia, Erik; Kovacevic, Ahmed; Buck, Lyndon; Brisco, Ross; Evans, Dorothy; Grierson, Hilary; Ion, William; Whitfield, Robert Ian
Author:
Woodcock, Andree (1); McDonagh, Deana (2); Magee, Paul (1); Ball, Tim (1); Iqbal, Sana (1)
Series:
E&PDE
Institution:
1: Coventry University, United Kingdom; 2: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Section:
Innovation 4
DOI number:
https://doi.org/10.35199/epde2019.49
ISBN:
978-1-912254-05-7
Abstract:
Young student designers have little experience with populations unlike themselves. This can present challenges when project briefs require them to design for people with different life experiences and abilities. Without this understanding their designs may fail to meet the needs of target users. Over the last two years the authors have conducted a series of short, studio based, low fidelity interventions with design and engineering students to widen their empathic horizons and appreciation of what it feels like to be old. The paper reports on the latest of these interventions with a cohort of product design students conducted in 2019 who were asked to develop concepts to support mobility of older people. The intervention not only increased their understanding and empathy with older people but also led them to understand the value and even enjoy undertaking research.
Keywords:
older people, transport design, design empathy
21st International Conference on Engineering & Product Design Education (E&PDE 2019)

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