2006 International Research and Education Conference

Designing the Future, 5-7 July 2006,
University of Wolverhampton

Click here for 2006 presentations (.ppt) files

A varied and interesting programme, combined with extremely competitive pricing, saw attendance almost double for the 2006 conference at the Telford Campus of the University of Wolverhampton.

Highlights

Day 1 - Wednesday

Special interest groups - a new addition to the conference which proved very popular and successful. These provided delegates with the opportunity to focus on specific areas of interest, to share ideas and to learn from experts in the field.

The Professor John Eggleston Memorial Lecture - a thought provoking presentation by Dr Eddie Norman on 'Values, Human Judgement and Sustainability in Design and Technology' which helped to set the agenda for the rest of the conference and which was followed by the International Research Conference dinner.

Day 2 - Thursday

Parallel research and education programmes - which allowed delegates to move between the papers, seminars and workshops of the two parts of the conference, selecting a programme that met their individual interests and needs.

Professor Richard Kimbell's keynote lecture looking back over his 10 years as editor of the Association's Journal, and looking forward to the future of the subject.

International Perspectives - two research papers focusing on "New research on design decision-making from Canada, Cyprus & the UK" presented by Dr Malcolm Welch & Dr David Barlex and Alexandros Mettas & Constantinos P. Constantinou.

The suppliers' exhibition - this important aspect of the conference was located in the refectory and was well-attended at all refreshment breaks. Delegates had the chance to see and discuss the latest resources, equipment and materials.

Tour of the the Innovative Product Development Centre (IPDC), part of the engineering department of the university, allowed delegates to see leading edge CNC and rapid-prototyping facilities in action.

Conference Dinner at Engenuity - a coach trip to Ironbridge Gorge Museum and an opportunity to look round the interactive displays at Engenuity before an excellent dinner. After dinner entertainment took the form of an interactive quiz complied and expertly delivered by Colin Chapman from SHU, with prizes of design books donated by Bluefish.

Practical Action's Sustainable Design Awards -the presentation of the Awards took place at Engenuity just before the dinner, with pre-dinner drinks provided by Practical Action. As always this provided delegates with the chance to see and talk to A-Level students who have actively and successfully engaged with issues of sustainability in their design work.

Day 3 - Friday

Opening keynote lecture by Dr Tony Robotham on "Designing the Future: Awe and wonder" which explored the possibilities and potential presented by new technologies.

A dedicated primary conference, held at the National D&T Education Centre, Enginuity, Coalbrookdale, and arranged in conjunction with Shropshire County Council. The programme for this popular event included a range of practical workshop sessions and keynotes from Professor Clare Benson and David Prest.

Closing keynote - "Handheld Technologies: transforming learning and assessment in D&T" from Tony Wheeler from Goldsmiths College which addressed the creative use of handheld devices within design and technology, as well as providing delegates with a range of strategies and ideas which could be immediately implemented in their classrooms.

Delegates' Comments

All aspects of the conference programme drew positive comments from the delegates:

Special Interest Groups - Invaluable experience to young researcher being able to throw ideas around with senior researchers and peers.

Workshops - Great to see examples of children's work - real items to hold and explore!

Seminars - Excellent. Useful resources to show students, course notes/slide show available for sharing. Thanks!

All the research papers which have been presented at D&T Association Conference 2007 can be searched and freely downloaded directly from Loughborough University archive.