Design Research Projects

In this section of the website pedagogic projects illustrate academic research activity alongside innovative learning and teaching methods as ways in which art and design practices can uniquely engage with and stimulate thinking to influence and nurture change. Research methodologies are realised through a series of projects that explore cross-disciplinary approaches to problem solving as a way for students to learn professional design methodologies and strategies. The pedagogical approach to the projects are to allow students the opportunity for autonomy and to develop their practice through developing a 'community of practice' in order to help explore, negotiate, develop and support their skills. Therefore the teaching practice is to facilitate learning and mentor aspiring creative professionalism.

Projects explore artschool education as the laboratory to innovate models and modes for undisciplinarity. Through questioning the apprenticeship model and ‘live project’ as constraints applied through commercial obligations, students explore models that are experimental in their priorities and definitions of future creative practice. Through Unit X these experimental projects extend and develop practice, stretching silo thinking to embody undisciplined creative thinking as a core quality to process. Students as researchers and producers invent new models and networks and innovate future models of commercial practice. Students become innovative thinkers and doers to inform ‘the industry’ rather than be defined by its constraints.