Research in a professional design school should be pragmatic, ground based and dedicated to enhance curricula. The development of our research policy includes the launch of experimental Design Labs for applied research and knowledge production and dissemination.
Our approach to design research
Our disciplinary field is the so-called "industrial" design which implies, in practice, the implementation of:
- a creative activity rooted in a widely inductive conception process favoring a pragmatic approach and requiring a composite knowledge;
- a specific culture acquired through the artistic training of the practitioner;
- a human-centered approach (ethical dimension);
- the evaluation of the economic context
Knowledge production in design relies on 3 main activities:
- a conceptual research aiming at creating innovative concepts;
- a project evaluation
- a circulation of the produced knowledge, publications, event organization, educational contribution, industrial valorization.
Therefore, our research activity is characterized by a pragmatic and applied approach, attuned to the evolution of our material culture, lifestyles and social and economic context, similar to a laboratory experimental activity.
Research activities
Our research activities are based on 3 complimentary dimensions, in order to support innovation and develop expertise.
Experimental applied research Design Labs
A series of experimental platforms (“Design Labs”) have been launched since 2011, to facilitate the emergence of innovative concepts and long term expertise.
• an experimental lab about urban issues related to mobility and built environment, Sustainable Cities Design Lab, headed by Florent Orsoni
• an experimental lab about food system issues, New Eating Habits Design Lab, headed by Benoit Millet.
A fourth platform shall be launched in 2013/2014.
A topic oriented postgraduate curriculum
We have reorganized our post-graduate curriculum, now centered on applied research divided into 8 topic-oriented Master’s Programs, whereby students from different skill-based undergraduate courses in design (product design, spatial design, interaction design) can cross-check their skills through topic-based research units and encouraging innovative dynamics with partner companies. The 8 different programs are gathered under the umbrella of the Design Labs.
Collaborative projects and research contracts
Projects are carried out within the Design Labs in collaboration with research labs, companies and business clusters.
Knowledge dissemination
- Organizing research conferences : “ETHICS 2006 : Design, Ethics and Humanism” international symposium with the Cumulus association, "Ateliers de la Recherche" on “Knowledge Transfer(s), Valorizing Research in Design” in June 2008, as a sequel to the "Ateliers de la Recherche" held at the University of Nîmes (France) initiated by Brigitte Borja de Mozota, Alain Findeli and Georges Schambach;
- publishing a bilingual research journal (CADI) meant to be spread on a worldwide scale. Content of the journal is now only available on the research blog.
