Welcome
Posted by: econetwork on: May 27, 2009
This blog has been set up to share some of the ongoing research from the ECONetwork feasibility study that is currently being run by the Ecodesign Centre in Cardiff. The blog will also allow for ongoing comment by the design sector in Wales while allowing the Ecodesign Centre to keep the study as transparent as possible. This blog isn’t the network and will not be facilitating the development of the network until the completion of the feasibility study.
More details of the study can be found on the “About” page.
You can also find some resources and links to extra information on the “Resources” page.
The Ecodesign Centre would like to extend its thanks to the Welsh Assembly Government for providing the resources that allow us to conduct this study.
ECONetwork “Ideas Lounge” II test
Posted by: econetwork on: August 3, 2009
- In: feasibility | Research | workshop
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The Ecodesign Centre hosted the second ECONetwork “Ideas Lounge” in Cardiff on the 23rd of July. This event brought together some leading designers to continue the discussion on how a network on ecodesign and sustainability could be developed for Wales.
During the event we had a selection of presentations and provocations related to sustainability and design (see presentations below). Leyla Acaroglu, a visiting research associate from Australia, gave a presentation on planned obsolescence and design. Julian Skyes, design director of Hoffi, made a presentation on a project exploring the possibility of opening a retail space dedicated to cradle-to-cradle products. This project is related to his MA. Angela Gidden of attic 2 gave a personal reflection on design and role of brands in consumption.
collaboration collaboration collaboration
Posted by: econetwork on: June 3, 2009
I attended the Cumulus conference in London last week. The Cumulus association is a global network of leading design schools and institutions. The main themes of the conference related to new contexts for business, meaningful collaboration, interdisciplinary design, participation, co-creation and the new creative economies. Although it was mainly design educators there were interesting key-notes and panel discussion from the likes of Sir Ken Robinson, Bill Sermon (Vice President – Design, Nokia Multimedia), Clive Grinyer (Director of Customer Experience in Europe, Cisco), Mariana Amatullo (Designmatters) and Prof. Peter Higgins (Land Design).
some interesting things I wrote down to reflect on for the ECONetwork..
- pop-up design studios
students designing their own curriculum
accidental leadership
business model innovation to reflect the NOW
socio-enterprise training for design professionals
creating real experiences
convergence (communication/time)
“the future is unknowable but not unthinkable”
role of interaction design
strategic capacities for new designers (identified by Nokia etc) – empathy, humility, curiosity, responsibility
attitude of design
undoing pre-conceptions
new design for new economies
napkin manifesto of D-School
mobile pop-up classrooms
radicalisation of education (away from modernist mindset)
T-shaped skills profiles but with broad knowledge and deep moral values instead of technical specialism
“try to relax and enjoy the crisis”
Interesting design networks in the UK
Posted by: econetwork on: May 27, 2009
Hannah undertook some research to uncover some of the interesting design networks across the UK, how they operate, how they are financed and whether or not they address sustainability and ecodesign. This information is invaluable for us as we start to formalise ideas for the network in Wales. It is also important for us to have our eyes open to all the good projects other organisations are running – especially if there is potential for collaboration.
Surveys
Posted by: econetwork on: May 27, 2009
To support the research workshops and meetings we have also set up 3 surveys to collate responses from various individuals and organisations.
You are invited to respond to these questionnaires.
In-house designers – click here
Design consultants – click here
Support organisations – click here
Workshop mindmap
Posted by: econetwork on: May 26, 2009
- In: feasibility | workshop
- 2 Comments
This mindmap is a representation of most of the items discussed and collected on post-its during the first workshop.
Please comment and add more items that you wanted to contribute and we will add them.
Click on image for full size version..
mind map
Workshop wordle
Posted by: econetwork on: May 26, 2009
This WORDLE is a visual representation of the words/themes/ideas that were written onto post-it notes during the first workshop.
While it isn’t precise it gives an indication of the themes that were being discussed on the day.
click on the image for a bigger version..
wordle
Ecodesign Centre run first ECONetwork “Ideas Lounge”
Posted by: econetwork on: May 21, 2009
- In: feasibility | Research | workshop
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The Ecodesign Centre ran it’s first “Ideas Lounge” as part of the ECONetwork feasibility study. The event was attended by a number of designers from Swansea, Cardiff, Mid-Wales. Unfortunately the North Wales people we invited were unable to attend due to time commitments. The flyer for the event can be downloaded here. The event was a success and it sets a good basis for future events towards developing an ecodesign network in Wales.
The agenda was:
16.00 – 16.10 : Introduction by Simon O’Rafferty
16.10 – 16.40 : Jonathan Crinion
16.40 – 17.10 : Rob Brown – Sprout Design
17.10 – 17.40 : Q&A – debate – challenge (take notes!)
17.40 – 18.30 : Food
18.30 – 20.00 : 60 minute design challenge
The event was introduced by Simon O’Rafferty. Presentation below.
Following this, there were two presentations from Jonathan Crinion and Rob Brown. These presentations set the context for the following discussions and workshop.
Feasibility study launched
Posted by: econetwork on: May 20, 2009
EDC is happy to announce that from 20th April 2009 it will be working on a new design research project called ECONetwork. ECONetwork is a feasibility study that aims to assess the scope and potential for ecodesign and eco-innovation knowledge exchange networks for the professional design sectors in Wales (UK). Funding for the study has been given by the Academic Expertise for Business (A4B).
The 4 months feasibility study will assess the gaps in capacity for ecodesign and eco-innovation among professional designers in Wales and also the current and future support requirements of the design sector. It will explore how support requirements could be delivered through existing or new knowledge exchange mechanisms and intermediary organisations. In the context of this study, professional designers include independent design consultants and in-house designers in manufacturing companies.
ECONetwork photos
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