Research

'Blue Sky' Design – constructional models. Assessment and development of systems and methodologies that assist in creative future forecasting within the context of product design and related concept definition. The research activity is focussed on the interrogation of existing, non-discipline based methods, relative to their utilisation/modification to assist in a ‘product centred‘ approach to forecasting, concept definition and communication.

Initial research has resulted in the definition of 3 main stages related to forecasting, concept creation and communication. This area will represent the main areas of generic research activity, however the approach will be holistic, allowing for a ‘cause and effect’ approach to the development of a series of complex methodological systems.

Current Research Project

Creative Futures
I am involved in an ongoing collaboration with Martyn Evans, Director of Undergraduate Studies: Design, School of Art & Design, University of Salford on the above area(s). Current work is focussed on the evaluation of existing methodologies used within product design and associated disciplines in order to re-evaluate aesthetic definition relative to forecasting activities and user perception.

Previous Research Projects

Multi-Year Collaborative Design Activity
Paper published for Engineering in Product Design Conference, University of Central Lancashire, 1996

Temporal transformation of materials: can designers harness the effects of time to create a contemporary aesthetic of 'worldliness' within new products?
Paper published for Design and Emotion International Conference and Publication, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey, July 2004

Teaching 'Blue Sky' forecasting techniques in undergraduate teaching

Paper published for International Education in Product Design, Institute of Design & Technology, Delft, Netherlands, 2004

Paper published for Engineering in Product Design Conference, University of Central Lancashire, 1996

Paper published for Design and Emotion International Conference and Publication, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey, July 2004

Paper published for International Education in Product Design, Institute of Design & Technology, Delft, Netherlands, 2004