The world is in a constant state of flux. The realm of technology is both the reason for and the best example of it. The tools and trends that shape design today will undoubtedly evolve tomorrow. This presents educators with a thrilling opportunity to equip students with the skills and mindsets that they will need.
Change is inevitable, and adapting to it is the only way to survive in an ever-changing landscape. This involves ensuring our students are proficient in the digital tools that are transforming the design industry.
The word “tool” comes from Old English “tōl,” which meant an instrument or implement for a specific purpose. It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word “*tōnan,” meaning “to make or prepare.”
This flux can be unsettling. However, this doesn’t necessitate abandoning traditional design methods entirely. Both traditional and digital approaches have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Consider the act of sketching with a pencil on paper. There is research to support the claim that traditional sketching activates different areas of the brain compared to using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. Our caveman-wiring intuitively tells us that too. There is something magical that happens in the brain when you use a pen/pencil and put your ideas on paper. “Actualizing thoughts through the hands gives meaning to ‘thinking’ and fosters thinking ability” (HIRANO et al.).
“Handmade drawings have the potential to convey emotions, ideas, or messages more effectively when they tap into subconscious associations or perceptions” (Leandri).
Personally, I am a strong believer in the idea that “If you can’t explain your idea on a napkin with a pen, then you are not clear about it yourself.” Traditional methods help students hone their core design thinking skills and solidify their understanding before diving into the complexities of digital tools. This deserves a larger discussion.
Design Vs Draw are two drastically different notions — cognitively and emotionally.
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents another exciting development in design education. According to Marr, the rise of generative AI in design presents both innovations and challenges. My own experiences suggest that AI has the potential to be a valuable assistant. It helps with tasks like information organization and data analysis. Yes, there are deepfake and AI image generators, but they are in their latency phase.
Generative AI models are better at mimicking existing styles and patterns than creating entirely new concepts.
This highlights the ongoing need for human creativity and critical thinking in the design process, even as AI tools continue to evolve. Not to forget that AI can struggle with grasping context, and often context is everything.
The human ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and translate ideas into reality remains irreplaceable. At least, for now.
In my classroom, I’ve recently begun incorporating Tinkercad, a web-based 3D design platform. I’ve been impressed by how quickly students have grasped the basics of the software.
Even the students who were initially hesitant have shown competency at it quicker than expected (maybe it has to do with the fact that this generation grew up with digital and screen devices all around them). This rapid adoption highlights the intuitive nature of user-friendly design tools and their potential to empower students. And again, you guessed it right if you saw it coming, Tinkercad is just one tool in a broader design education toolkit.
Thanks to our school’s forward-thinking approach, we are constantly evaluating and integrating new technologies into our curriculum. This ensures that our students have access to the resources they need to develop a future-proof skillset. This commitment extends beyond software, and we are excited to develop a state-of-the-art design lab. Our lab will be equipped with cutting-edge technology. We already have laser cutters and 3D printers, and we expect more woodworking machinery before the start of next year.
This comprehensive suite of tools will allow students to translate their digital designs into physical prototypes, fostering a deeper understanding of the design process and the importance of craftsmanship.
Change: A Challenge and an Opportunity
Change. The very word can conjure up feelings of uncertainty and even fear. In the context of design education, the fear of becoming obsolete in the face of rapid technological advancements is a very real one.
Clinging to outdated teaching methods is like building a sandcastle on the beach as the tide rolls in — an admirable effort but ultimately destined to wash away.
The consequence? Students graduate with skills that might not translate to the design jobs of tomorrow. This skills gap translates to a disadvantage in the job market. It leaves them lacking in the ability to innovate and contribute meaningfully to a world increasingly reliant on cutting-edge design solutions.
The fear of obsolescence is a real one, but it needn’t be paralyzing.
There are practical strategies educators can adopt to embrace change and ensure their design programs remain dynamic and relevant.
How To Stay Ahead of the Curve
The first step is acknowledging the need for continuous learning. We, the educators, must become lifelong learners ourselves. This means actively seeking out new technologies, methodologies, and trends that are shaping the design world.
Some ways to do that are by attending conferences focused on design and technology integration, subscribing to design publications, or even participating in design festivals and maker fests. This commitment to growth ensures we stay abreast of the latest advancements and can translate them into engaging learning experiences for our students.
Next, fostering a culture of experimentation in our classrooms is essential. Let’s ditch the rigid, one-size-fits-all approach and embrace flexible pedagogies that can adapt to the introduction of new tools and methodologies.
fostering a culture of experimentation in our classrooms is essential.
What I have been striving for lately is to create a classroom environment where students are encouraged to explore emerging design software, test prototypes, use AR/VR simulations, and collaborate with industry experts on real-world design challenges.
This fosters an environment of innovation and allows students to develop the critical skills they need to learn and adapt throughout their careers.
If critical thinking skills are sharpened,, then innovation is simply a by-product.
Finally, forging strong partnerships with industry leaders is invaluable. By collaborating with design professionals, educators gain valuable insights into the skills and technologies in demand.
Inviting guest speakers to share their experiences or even organizing field trips to design studios (something I am eagerly looking forward to next academic year). This collaboration ensures that design education remains relevant to industry needs, preparing students for the design challenges they’ll encounter in the real world.
Learning from Success Stories
The good news is that educators all over the world are already embracing these strategies with incredible results. A design teacher who integrates a 3D printing unit into their curriculum is empowering students to design and print their own functional prototypes. Another teacher might partner with a local tech company to develop a project focused on designing apps that address social issues. These are just a few examples of how educators are adapting to and thriving in the face of technological evolution.
These success stories show us that embracing change is not just necessary but also incredibly rewarding. A growth mindset, experimenting with technology, and collaborating with industry partners — these are the three ingredients needed to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
Driven By Learning
We have the privilege of shaping the minds of the next generation of designers. It is imperative that we recognize the need for lifelong learning. This means committing ourselves to ongoing professional development, constantly seeking out new knowledge and skills. Attending workshops on the latest design methodologies and software, joining online communities dedicated to design pedagogy, or even pursuing additional certifications in emerging design fields. This constant learning ensures that our teaching methods remain relevant and and that our students are exposed to the cutting-edge tools.
As design educators in an IB setting, we face the exciting challenge of balancing tradition and innovation. Our students arrive brimming with creativity, and we guide them not only towards the fundamentals of design but also to the ever-evolving world of technology. We need to integrate user-friendly design tools and encourage experimentation within our curriculum. We ensure our students graduate with a robust skillset that empowers them to thrive in the dynamic design landscape.
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Bibliography
- American Psychological Association. “Integrating Technology Tools: APA Education Directorate TOPSS Lesson Plan.” APA, www.apa.org/ed/precollege/topss/integrating-technology-tools.
- Hirano, Shigeo, et al. “Significance of Hand Drawing in Embodying an Idea.” Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Engineering, Science, Technology, Education and History 2014 in Bhutan, 21–22 Aug. 2014, Tokyo City University, Tokyo, Japan, Artner Co. Ltd, Osaka, Japan.
- Leandri, Gaia. Freehand digital drawing: a boost to creative design. The observer’s eye and the draftsman brain. Diss. Universitat Politècnica de València, 2022.
- Marr, Bernard. “The Rise of Generative AI in Design: Innovations and Challenges.” Forbes, 13 Dec. 2023, www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/12/13/the-rise-of-generative-ai-in-design-innovations-and-challenges/?sh=5ab03a1c5fab.
- Lingaro. “The Limitations of Generative AI, According to Generative AI.” Lingaro Group, 24 Sept. 2020, https://www.harvardonline.harvard.edu/blog/benefits-limitations-generative-ai.
- Design Council. “Design Skills: The Bridge Between Design Education and Industry.” https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/fileadmin/uploads/dc/Documents/multi-disciplinary-design-education.pdf
- National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR). “Minutes of the 52nd Meeting of the Academic Council Held on 29th & 30th.” https://www.nitttrchd.ac.in/, 2017.
- Stanford University Graduate School of Education. “Improving Education Through Design: Stanford Researchers Partner with School Districts to Improve Education Through Design.” Stanford University, 12 Feb. 2019, https://ed.stanford.edu/news/improving-education-design.
- World Economic Forum. “The Future of Manufacturing.” World Economic Forum, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/manufacturing-and-value-chains/.
