What is it about?
Designers need business skills but there are limited opportunities for professional development when in design practice. This paper explores the value of master's level study accessed via 'work-based learning' which enables designers to study whilst remaining in full time practice.
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Why is it important?
Designers’ careers can be compromised if they are unable to understand the business context they operate in and cannot communicate effectively across other disciplines. Where governments are calling for an increase in design management skills, design careers can limit the opportunities for the development of such skills. Universities have an opportunity to support designers’ professional development through work-based learning.
Perspectives
A background in design consultancy has demonstrated that there is a cultural gap between many designers and their clients. This gap can inhibit the development of designer / client relationships and limit the scope of designers' careers. To contribute at a strategic level designers need to be able to understand and talk the language of their clients.
Ms Caroline Norman
Birmingham City University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Design managers, their organisations and work-based learning, Higher Education Skills and Work-based Learning, August 2015, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/heswbl-07-2014-0028.
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Resources
Design management education and work-based learning
Earlier research exploring the high level of design management skills that can be acquired through work-based learning. A case study located at the Master's in Design Management at Birmingham City University.
The potential of technology-enhanced learning in work-based design management education
Building on research into the value of master’s level study for design management, this case study evaluates an online learning pilot designed to enhance the student experience and extend the reach of work-based learning.
Contributors
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