Skills Development in Design Practice Summer School at Kingston University with Central Saint Martins and Royal College of Art

"Design: Catalyst for Social Change?" The 3 day intensive workshop took place at Kingston University where we were able to socialise and share our ideas with fellow peers of other institutions.  We had great group discussions and were presented a series of methods and concepts to reflect upon, within our own research practices.  Here are a few of the keynotes and points presented:

Professor Jeremy Myerson of RCA Helen Hamlyn Centre, emphasising the research perspectives of his research centre, such as "No Lab Rats". - Dont jump to conclusions, spend time on defining the problem. - Glass half full - map the assets, not the negatives (community asset mapping) - Dream a little - connect to a world of ideas and imagination.

Professor Lorainne Gamman of Design Against Crime Central Saint Martins, spoke on the notion of Socially Responsive Design and some design research advice. - what do we want more of? - How do you differentiate the different types of research? How do you know which is best? - Don't be scared to show ideas/feedback of PhD to other people. - Who is it for? How will they access it? - What is own working method in comparison to other designers? - create a map of work method - Who can ‘buy in’ to my PhD? who else has interest in my research? how will I get agency?

Dr Paul Micklenthwaite of Kingston University presented notions of Design as Catalyst for Social Change. - problem of “solutionism” in design, or exploring opportunities to re-design the problem - identify what is already happening and AMPLIFY the SEEDS - How do you design community cohesion? You cant.   You design the conditions to make it happen.