In an era dominated by remote work, the significance of in-person collaborative design events cannot be overstated. While our students study design at a distance, the occasional face-to-face gathering remains crucial for boosting morale and fostering a sense of community that can be challenging to achieve remotely. Amidst the constraints imposed by the pandemic, opportunities for design students and academics to meet, exchange ideas, and socialise in person have become increasingly rare. This year, we sought to counteract this trend by experimenting with a series of events that bring students and staff together for shared design experiences in person.
Kicking off the series was an inspiring day at the Coventry Museum of Transport in November. The event began with a visit to an exhibition showcasing the evolution of transport design over the decades. Attendees had the chance to immerse themselves in the innovative concepts that have shaped transportation through time. Following this, Prof Stephen Potter and Dr Miguel Valdez shared their visions for the future of transport and mobility. To accommodate those unable to attend in person, the talks were live-streamed and recorded for later viewing on our YouTube channel.
The afternoon session featured a hands-on workshop where participating students and staff were challenged to contemplate the future of mobility. Two groups engaged in a dynamic brainstorming session, dedicating an hour to crafting innovative concepts:
Global Connect Group: This team proposed a streamlined service aimed at planning and adjusting journeys across interconnected infrastructures and various modes of transportation. Watch the short presentation.
Social Scooter Group: This group envisioned a unique mobility scooter designed to provide on-demand rides for individuals with limited mobility, preserving social inclusion and the sense of community that might diminish with reduced mobility. Watch the short presentation.
Reflecting on the event, we recognized the value of face-to-face interactions and the role of qualification-wide events in iconic venues like the Coventry Transport Museum. Such events provide a unique platform for creative collaboration and connection. As we continue to explore opportunities for in-person engagement, we invite suggestions for future venues that foster an innovative spirit in the realm of design. Your input will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our design community. Which venue would you suggest visiting together?
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