Abstract:

The following paper is a study of industry engagement and its effects on the student experience for undergraduate Interior Design students at The University of Huddersfield. For many students, university is a place to craft their skills, whilst honing their creativity and growing their knowledge in order to access the industry.

The aim to look at how providing points of interaction between the studios and various aspects of the Interior Design profession, could broaden students’ understanding of the profession, in its many facets, to enhance and engender positive collaboration and interchange between all parties.

The studies objectives identifying from an epistemological position, what impacts such opportunities for knowledge and experience exchange had on student experience in turn stimulating discussion around curriculum design, with an overarching objective to inform approaches that engage Industry to enhance and develop learning strategies.

Running over a two-year period, three interactions were conducted; Enhancement Talks, Drawing Festival and Material Fayre. The methodologies used to examine and interpret the student experience are qualitative, chosen for their abilities to allow the authors to gather ‘thick descriptions’ allowing an organic development of themes around the subject, whilst seeing through the eyes of the student cohort, aiming to collect data about the lived experience, observations were noted and written feedback gathered through questionnaire, forming the basis for discussion. In evaluating the qualitative data, criteria of trustworthiness and authenticity were used. Although the researchers and the sample group were and are, in close contact, confirmability is ensured as all activities were held in the best interests of the students and no personal values or theories were allowed to sway the way the study was undertaken.  Students could take part on voluntary basis, all the events took place outside curriculum activity, although planned to support studies. The events offered an opportunity for students to encounter those of other closely related disciplines, industry professionals and product specialists.

The study analyses emerging themes, discussing what, how and when these interventions could be appropriate and benefits gained from them.

Results show greater student engagement through Enhancement Talks in all aspects course, curriculum knowledge of industry and the transition between academia and industry. Through Industry workshops such as half day brief on concept ideation, students in small mixed year groups were able to generate concepts in industry ready time scales, honing presentation ‘pitch’ skills. This saw greater collaboration between the years, opening up opportunities to learn from each other, which continued increased communication.

The Drawing Festival results include students showing an appreciation of drawing styles, broadening techniques from other disciplines within their own drawing styles. Students across the department used this to connect, initiating their own urban sketching group. The Material Fayre saw students’ specific knowledge grow in material specifications, appropriateness of use, function and innovation relating to their own design briefs now and in Industry.

Further opportunities have evolved from these Industry interactions showing further investment from Industry in student development and progression. A progressive cycle triggered by letting the real world in.

Keywords:

Experience Exchange, Knowledge, Opportunities, Engagement.