Design skills development

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Find out more about our plans for developing the UK design industry's skills at www.ukdesignskills.com

Design for technology transfer

Stage: The Design Council has run a pilot scheme to help Technology Transfer Offices use design to commercialise technology
Addressing: Driving competitiveness in industry, Design skills development

Why is technology transfer an interesting new market for UK designers?

The UK has a world class science and technology base. Results show we are getting better at commercialising research outputs from our universities but there is scope for further improvement. And design can help.

Perspectives

David Secher

Chairman, Unico

'I believe design can play a key role in the exploitation of the UK’s science base and in the commercialisation of research, but it is not currently being utilised to full capacity. Due to a lack of awareness, little engagement between the design and research communities and an inability to fund design related projects, the value of design for technology transfer is under recognised. A scheme which matches design mentors with research teams would facilitate technology transfer and help HEIs develop propositions that are driven by the needs of the market.'

David Maddison

Design mentor, Maddison Design

Designers have a range of specialist skills which enable them to make a unique and valuable contribution to technology start-ups. These skills include creative problem solving and visualisation techniques as well as expert practical knowledge of both user needs and the product development process.

David Churchman

Project Manager at Isis Innovation, the Technology Transfer Company for the University of Oxford

It’s gone really well. Across the three projects we’ve called on every design tool there is, from brainstorming to visualisations. My focus, naturally, is on increasing the value of our technologies and design is an important part of that.

More perspectives and the chance to contribute

What stops small companies using design?

Stage: We have launched a programme called Designing Demand to help SMEs increase profit, sales and market share using design
Addressing: Driving competitiveness in industry, Design skills development

How can design make sense for smaller businesses?

The share prices of design-led companies out-performed key FTSE indices by 200% over ten years, but SMEs don't always understand the value design can add to their business

This project is part of The Cox Review of Creativity in Business

What skills do designers need and how can they get them?

Stage: We're working on the Good Design Practice campaign to improve design industry skills
Addressing: Design skills development

How can we help designers get the right skills?

British design is the best in the world. But we need to take action now to make sure it stays that way.

Can universities bring business studies and creativity closer together?

Stage: We have been looking at international examples of best practice
Addressing: Driving competitiveness in industry, Design skills development

Why is this an issue for design?

Designers need to help decide what kind of centres should be set up to enable multidisciplinary groups of designers, scientists, anthropologists, economists and others to drive innovation

Can we use design to improve how people live?

Stage: People in the North East have worked for a year to develop practical examples of how they could design their own lives better
Addressing: Improving innovation in public services, Design skills development

What is Dott?

Designs of the time (Dott) asks 'Can we use design to help people live how they want to live?'

Why is everyone talking about the Creative Economy?

Stage: A Creative Economy Strategy has been published, setting out 26 commitments for supporting UK creative industries
Addressing: Design skills development

Are the creative industries doing enough to stay ahead?

The Government and the creative industries are working together to safeguard the future prosperity of the creative sector