History & Theory of Design
Design is a future-oriented activity, concerned with what might be, but it is also an innately human activity and so must take account of present human needs and desires and give consideration to how these have been shaped in the past. In the search for solutions to the world’s increasingly complex problems, designers must be able to look into the past, the present and the future and communicate their ideas intelligently to any community of interest.
At Design Studies we consider knowledge of the history and theories of design essential to a critical engagement with design as a practice and discourse. It will enrich your knowledge and understanding of design and design’s role in society and on the environment. It will also provide a common ground to discuss and develop design ideas with people both within and without the design community.
History
We look backwards into the past to see where we have been and to understand how we got to the present situation. The past is also a toolbox of ideas, precedents and lessons that may inspire future innovations. Historical research and methodology is introduced at undergraduate level to teach critical thinking and systemic inquiry as a platform for applied and clinical design research.
Otago is well served by a range of archives, museums, galleries and libraries to support research and provide exhibition opportunities. Three staff members actively research New Zealand design history, two of whom have professional curatorial and exhibition design experience in museums. There is also considerable scope for postgraduate research and career opportunities in this field.
Theory
The foundation of design theory rests on the fact that design is by nature an interdisciplinary, integrative discipline. It therefore draws on relevant theories from across the Sciences, Humanities and Commerce, and requires nimble thinkers.
The University of Otago’s flexible undergraduate degree structure and international reputation for research excellence offers numerous opportunities for cross-pollination of ideas and engagement with the latest theoretical developments. As an emerging discipline, design is developing its own body of clearly articulable and communicable theories that explain its various processes. Theory also provides a critical arena to challenge the orthodoxies and conventions of design and society.
The intellectual rigour of theory is invaluable to the disciplined practice of design that takes account of broad-ranging social, economic and environmental factors, and will extend your creative life well beyond that of any technical skill set you acquire during your studies and practice. These theories are essential to the development of the discipline, the production of new knowledge and the advancement of practice, providing considerable opportunities for postgraduate research and senior professionals and consultants.
Courses
- DESI 111 – Design Fundamentals
- DESI 121 – Design Form and Function
- DESI 212 – Communication Design Theory
- DESI 213 – Industrial Design Theory
- DESI 312 – Interaction Design Theory
- DESI 313 – Environmental Design Theory
- DESI 315 – Design Project 1
- DESI 325 – Design Project 2
- DESI 480 – Research Project
- DESI 490 – Research Project
- DESI 495 – Research Project
