Implementing Internationalisation into Design Education

TRATHEN Stephen
2004 Conference

This paper argues for an approach to internationalisation that goes beyond attracting international full fee paying students and conducting domestic programs off-shore, to also include the internationalisation of the design education curriculum. This approach is being incorporated in Industrial Design at the University of Canberra, and two examples are considered here. The first is a project/problem-based approach drawing upon the cultural diversity of heritage both of international students in the course and of Australian students. The second details the benefits of the vibrant international exchange program within the design course, including positive learning experiences and benefits to students and teaching staff alike. These two examples demonstrate a positive internationalisation of the design student experience and curriculum and the importance of maintaining such components within a design course. As is well recognised, Australia can ill afford to be an inward looking and isolated state, and internationalisation brings many benefits. However, in the context of budget reductions, the challenge is to ensure sufficient resources to maximise these benefits.

Download Full text PDF (66.09 KB)

About the author

Stephen Trathen is the Discipline Head of Industrial Design at the University of Canberra. ACT 2601. He has 10 years experience in tertiary design education after 11 years in industrial design practice. He has a Degree in Industrial Design, a Grad Dip in Ergonomics and a Masters of Applied Science by research where he investigated the nexus between consumers interaction with products and various stages of the pre purchase decision making process and the various influences of aesthetic and usability attributes.