Contemporary Design In Context

Contemporary design is a vibrant field of practice characterised by applied creativity, engagement and collaboration as well as the art and craft of making. Definitions of design practice are being reformulated in response to rapid changes in technology, society and environment; design now moves across a wide range of different media, materials and contexts. In the early decades of the twenty-first century we take stock of contemporary design practice, where it has come from, and where it is going. This course provides a grounding in concepts, practices and issues in contemporary design. Through a combination of practical work, case studies, readings and research, students will develop a critical understanding of design as a discipline in the modern context; its concepts, artefacts, processes and practices. Key themes include functional and aesthetic value; design methods and processes; planning, intention and making; and the social roles and cultural contexts of design.