The terms “design” and “graphic design” exist as reference points for ways of working, or practicing within the field of design. At any point in time, careers are based on “understood” notions of design, firms are created, and educational pedagogy is crafted, all centered on traditions of disciplinarity and the existence of a discreet field of study that we know as design.
What is (and should be) the nature of disciplinarity in a professional environment characterized by the evolution of design practice away from a conventionally narrow range of focus (i.e., form) into the broader application of design methods to such areas as strategy, human systems, and business models? Given such a shifting professional landscape, what of the nature of the discipline, and what are the implications for design education and practice?
The emergence of competing ideas of disciplinarity (cross-, multi-, inter-, and trans-, among others) raises questions about not only design practice, but the education of designers. Design programs are rethinking approaches and new models are being developed in response to more fluid and emergent forms of practice.
Given the above, how do various ideas of disciplinarity apply to the education of designers and the future practice of design? What opportunities exist for the redefinition of the field, and what models in practice or design education are currently developing?
Possible areas of focus
--Diverse perspectives on the nature of design as an evolving discipline; what is design today, and more importantly, where is it going?
--The implications of a shifting design profession for design education; what does education need to do to create possibilities for future designers?
--Case studies and ideas about innovative pedagogical initiatives in design education; what is happening in our programs?
--Given the various definitions of disciplinarity (including the variations and hyphenates), how are these ideas finding their way into design education discussions?
--How can we lead innovative thinking (and action) about the nature of disciplinarity in design?
Moderator: Lance Carlson
