Posted on July 30th, 2013 | 1 Comment

Events: Joe Julier

Workshop 2: Enterprise and Employability

University of Lincoln, Thursday 26th and Friday 27th September 2013

The second event in the DESIS-UK Networking series explored what lies beyond Higher Education DESIS projects. We sought to understand how DESIS projects take shape outside the academy, and consider the roles for, and requirements of, designers trained in design for social innovation and sustainability as they look to enter the job market. The first day explored these issues by bringing together a range of practitioners and researchers.During their presentations speakers reflected on their experiences working in this area, and discussed what they see as the role of design in delivering social innovation and sustainability.

Speakers included: Jocelyn Bailey, Head of Manufacturing, Design and Innovation, Policy Connect; Joanna Choukeir, Director, Uscreates; Megha Wadhawan Designer, STBY; Louise Armstrong, Senior Sustainability Advisor, Forum for the Future; Henry Hicks, Creative Director, Futerra; Zahra Davidson, Year Here; Priya Prakesh, Founder, Changify; Vincenzio Di Maria, Founder, Common Ground; Katie Hill, Director, Leeds Love it Share it; Ian Grout, Glasgow School of Art

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The presentations were followed by short discussion allowing for contributions from delegates, and provided opportunity to discuss how well universities are preparing students who wish to earn their living applying their design skills within organisations active in the field of social innovation for sustainability.

Day two offered an opportunity for delegates to reflect on the issues raised during day one. The discussion offered a chance to consider how the realities of working in this space fit with the pedagogic and theoretical underpinnings of DESIS work in universities. It offered an opportunity to further interrogate the difficult question of how best to prepare students for work in this field, and consider how HE institutions could use their resources to better support/partner with those working in this field already, either through student skills development, or other forms of collaboration.