UK design project led from Dundee

A UK-wide initiative to foster research into new design theory and practice is being led from DJCAD. Professor Tom Inns of the School of Design has been seconded for five years to the post of Initiative Director for the Designing for the 21st Century Project, which is geared at understanding and stimulating the evolution of new design.

"What we will be designing in the 21st century is changing and how we will be designing in the 21st century is changing," says Tom, "We need new knowledge to support and lead these changes." Recent research revealed that the design community generates around £27 billion a year for the UK economy. In recognition of the key role played by designers, the Designing for the 21st Century project has been supported with funding of £5m over five years from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

129 bids for funding were submitted to the AHRC and EPSRC from design departments at institutions across the UK, covering engineering, architecture and computing, through to textile and fashion design. 21 teams successfully securing funding for a year-long research project.

Each team - or cluster - is made up of staff from a number of institutions, encouraging collaboration and interdisciplinary working. The teams can apply for follow-on funding in the second year and onwards, depending on the development of the projects.

DJCAD graduate Vicky Hale is Initiative Coordinator, she says, "The research clusters will be looking at key issues affecting the future of design. Their results will determine where research money should be directed to."

Tom adds, "There is a real appetite for innovative research projects from the research councils. I hope that Dundee can tap into that." For more information visit: www.design21.dundee.ac.uk