Evolutionary Trajectories: Anticipating the Future of Design Education

Proceedings of the 7th World Conference on Future of Education

Year: 2023

DOI:

[PDF]

Evolutionary Trajectories: Anticipating the Future of Design Education

Parantap Bhatt

 

ABSTRACT:

The paper navigates the future of design education by interweaving educational psychology, technological trends, and contemporary design theories, responding to the swift evolution of our global landscape. Grounded in history and propelled by technology’s transformative power, the imperative for adaptable and innovative design education is underscored.
At its core, multidisciplinary pedagogy, drawing from educational psychology and cognitive science, fosters creative thinking and robust problem-solving skills (Gardner, 1999; Sawyer, 2006). The imminent digital revolution, encompassing virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, takes center stage, promising a redefinition of the design process. The paper delves into the transformative potential of these technologies, addressing benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations. Prioritizing the diverse global landscape, the exploration of inclusive design thinking unfolds, emphasizing strategies to embed inclusivity within education, focusing on cultural sensitivity, universal design principles, and collaborative approaches. Simultaneously, the seamless integration of academia and industry becomes imperative. Experiential learning, cooperative education models, and industry collaborations emerge as key initiatives, preparing students with practical skills and real-world insights (Kolb, 1984; Kolb & Kolb, 2005).
The paper concludes by providing a roadmap for educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, synthesizing elements that define the trajectory of design education into a dynamic and responsive discipline. Embracing speculative thinking as a catalyst for innovation, it urges stakeholders to actively engage in envisioning a transformative future for design education that goes beyond traditional paradigms.

keywords: Design Education, Multidisciplinary Pedagogy, Digital Transformation, Inclusive Design Thinking, Experiential Learning