We see wastage everywhere. It is not simply discarded packaging or a new product rendered unusable by a superseded model that we are aiming to explore in this Studio. We need to be aware of ALL waste - environmental, economical, societal - and how this has detrimental sociological, psychological and physiological impacts upon us all. Think wasted spaces in urban streetscapes, wasted Government 'funding', wasted opportunities to enhance society in a beneficial way. And so the list invariably goes on...

We live in an era of 'Short-term gain and Long-term loss'. This must change. We are the design rebels (or Superheroes if you'd prefer) who can help implement this change. We need to absorb that which surrounds us and develop creative solutions as 'our opportunity' to be proactive in the betterment of our - and ongoing generations' - future. To this end, 'What? A Bloody Waste!' Studio is calling upon you to use your heart, your soul, your creative thinking and design-based skills to look at ways in which 'wastage' (in your chosen context) can be repurposed, minimised or eradicated altogether.

In this studio you will be expected to deploy all of your creative thinking and design skills, indicative of a passion for creative difference and experience. As creative thinkers we must always aim to be at the forefront of change.

In order to preserve and protect our personal, local and global environs we need to innovate–to be agents of change in an ever increasing world of consumerism and wastage. Our futures depend upon us. Time to don the Superhero outfit!

To develop one's own standpoint as a futures designer, it is imperative we attempt to understand what has come before, and what may yet be. By taking a hands-on approach we will be generating our own research artifacts and documents whilst exploring the 'movements' of design-thinking and futures design - also referred to as 'new practice'. Interpreting that knowledge-grasping its importance as designers-should enable reflection and provide skills towards your new practice development, leading to ideation and creation.

In this studio you will be expected to deploy all of your creative thinking and design skills, indicative of a passion for creative difference. You will be required to develop outcomes with thought and skill, that concisely communicate your ideas to a broad audience. You will need to strongly evaluate how your design-thinking and futures design methodologies are likely to impact your outcomes as well as how they represent your 'opportunity'. Your outcomes must demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter, allowing your work to inform and educate those residing outside of design-related fields.

You will select an 'opportunity' that is close to your heart in which you feel you can make a difference. Your 'opportunity' could be related to urban space or landscape; product functionality and longevity; recycling, repurposing or redeveloping a product or idea; reimagining or improving a process - the 'opportunity' is yours to interpret and decide upon. The fundamental aim is to repurpose, minimise or eradicate 'wastage' related to your chosen project. Expected outcomes will be in the form of visually creative materials and expressive artifacts demonstrating your understanding of the subject matter. These artifacts will take the form of a series of 'Personal Position Snapshot' Posters, a professionally written Manifesto, an ongoing WIP Portfolio and a final multi-dimensional SKO. Alongside the artifacts you will be expected to deliver oral and visual presentations communicating your ideation and the ethos behind your work.

WARNING This Studio is challenging and NOT for the feint-hearted. You will be engaging in high level self-initiated work (working with non-conforming briefs), with an intention of discovering your role and responsibilities as a futures designer. You will be expected to formulate your own standpoint in relation to ethics, sustainability, sensitivity, expression and 'new practice' methodologies. You will need to be dedicated to your own cause and your chosen 'opportunity'. You must have an open-mind and heart and be prepared for ANYTHING.

You may laugh, cry, become angry and frustrated, have moments of absolute clarity and joy, but hopefully, along the way, you will also discover more reasons why you have chosen to be in this field. So let's not waste another second!

This Studio has 4 interlinked assessment tasks. Each inform the other and are a critical dialogue with the subject matter.
1. Studio Knowledge Object (SKO) Professionally Designed and Packaged 'Opportunity'. The form this may take will be discussed in Studio. Examples of previous students' inspired work will be presented.
2. Your Position as a Futures Designer and a Design-Thinker: Manifesto (600 Words).
3. Work in Progress ePortfolio and Design Process (approximately 100 Pages).
4. Portfolio of 7 x Personal/Developmental/Experimental/Experiential Posters (7 x Posters at specific interval dates to be advised).

Citizen Designers, Elizabeth Resnick, Bloomsbury Academic, 2016, ISBN: 9780857856203
Design Futures, Bradley Quinn, Merrell Publishers Ltd, 2011, ISBN: 9781858945408
https://blog.udemy.com/environmental-graphic-design/

Designing Experiences, Designing for Social Change, Designing Identity, Designing through Image, Designing Publications, Designing Disobedience

If you are considering this Studio, please read this first. WARNING This Studio is challenging and NOT for the feint-hearted. You will be engaging in high level self-initiated work (working with non-conforming briefs), with an intention of discovering your role and responsibilities as a futures designer. You will be expected to formulate your own standpoint in relation to ethics, sustainability, sensitivity, expression and 'new practice' methodologies. You will need to be dedicated to your own cause and your chosen 'opportunity'. You must have an open-mind and heart and be prepared for ANYTHING. You may laugh, cry, become angry and frustrated, have moments of absolute clarity and joy, but hopefully, along the way, you will also discover more reasons why you have chosen to be in this field. So let's not waste another second!