Changes in Design Education Promoted by Collaborative Organization: Distribution and Fragmentation

Abstract

This paper is predominantly based on observations pertaining to the transition from design industrial production to the design organization collaboration model. Moreover, it discusses the requirements of this collaboration model on the design students’ training and changes in design education methods.

The most impactful change in design education has been its distribution and fragmentation as brought about by networks. In other words, teaching resources, such as the knowledge and skills necessary for student growth, are scattered with different means of communication. The systematic knowledge that was originally acquired in the classroom or in books can now be obtained anytime and anywhere. Furthermore, such knowledge can be learnt from any point rather than a specified beginning.

To illustrate, this thesis starts by introducing the distribution trend in design; outlining the changes in design organizations; and identifying the challenges facing design education. In order to study design education development in China, we surveyed design graduates from the last 3 years. Next, we summarized the distribution and fragmentation of design education; putting forward new methods in design training as taught in schools.