B.Sc (Hons) Technical Design and Technology : Degree Show 2021

Abstract

Year 2020 – 2021 marks the era of many global changes. The world has not fully recovered from the blow of COVID-19. While undoubtedly, many have suffered in different ways, this has also been a year of realisation. Humanity has realised how vulnerable it is. It has also acknowledged that it needs to be better prepared and that it should do so by design, and not by necessity. This year presents the resurgence of a movement for Design across several countries and across multiple disciplines. These are exciting times for those interested in pursuing their studies and a career in Design because the very definition of design is being re-modelled and new employment opportunities are flourishing. The main take home message is that design is a mindset or a thinking process which can be transferable across disciplines and its’ ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life, in whatever form, on this planet. Design needs to solve worthwhile problems and provide solutions that are multifaceted and well thought through from many perspectives. Designers need to be ready to embrace unknown and diverse bodies of knowledge. Design does not fit neatly under any other traditional discipline simply because its very nature necessitates tapping into several bodies of knowledge. Design gives people a voice through the nature of its process and therefore, successful design is usually impactful because it serves specific needs and wants in an efficient manner. This showcase exhibits the efforts of the very first cohort of B.Sc. Technical Design and Technology graduates who have embraced and surpassed many known and unknown challenges through the course of their studies. In the spirit of the definition of modern design, the work presented here represents the broad range of skills acquired by the local pioneers in the field. Well done and very best wishes to our graduates. [Foreword by Dr. Sarah Pule]