Design PhD Conference 2015

Lancaster University, 2-3 July 2015

We would like to invite you to the Design PhD Conference 2015, co-hosted by the ImaginationLancaster Creative Research Centre at Lancaster University and the Centre for Design Research at Northumbria University.  Since its inception in 2008, this conference has provided an exceptional forum for Design PhD researchers from around the world to present their work, network with other researchers and businesses, and learn about the variety of approaches being used today within the Design PhD.

The conference offers an opportunity for researchers and businesses to meet, exchange knowledge and ideas, and learn about the latest developments in design thinking, methods and research projects.  We welcome attendees from PhD and Masters programmes as well as from the private, public and third sectors.

The details

Better by Design: Environment, Society & Self

Design in the 21st century has a responsibility to address the critical issues affecting society and the natural environment while also striving to create more personally meaningful notions of material culture. The last century’s ideas of progress and innovation yielded an ever-growing culture of waste, pollution and social inequity. This model still dominates our culture. As populations grow and the natural environment continues to degrade, with little political will for substantive change, there is a need not only to develop new, better ways forward, but also to manifest and demonstrate alternative possibilities. The applied arts can play an important role in this arena in visualising a world that is Better by Design – better for the environment, better for society and better for each of us as individuals.

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Keynote speakers

We are delighted to welcome two leading experts in their fields to speak on this year’s themeBetter by Design: Environment, Society & Self.

Dorothy Mackenzie, Co-founder and Chair for Dragon Rouge, will be speaking on the evening of Thursday 2nd July.

Sara Parkin OBE, Founder Director and Trustee of Forum for the Future will be speaking on Friday 3rd July.

Keynote titles announced

The titles of the keynote lectures from Dorothy Mackenzie and Sara Parkin have now been announced.

Dorothy Mackenzie: Keynote Lecture

Sara Parkin OBE: Keynote Lecture

Full Programme now available

Download the full programme and find all the information you need about this year’s Design PhD Conference.