Applied Design Research Centre
The OiD Applied Design Research Centre (OiD-ADRC) is the externally funded commercially focussed research arm of the OiD, established specifically to facilitate industry engagement with design practice at all levels.
The OiD Applied Design Research Centre's mission is to build appropriate new design strengths in Otago. The ADRC will facilitate an increasing number of design projects with local, regional, national and international businesses. In so doing the OiD-ADRC will increase the practice of design in various ways:
- » Develop new strengths in areas of design appropriate to this region
- » Create a wider awareness of the commercial advantages of design-led business
- » Promote use of design practice in industry
- » Support professional qualified designers
- » Increase the uptake of design methodologies in business practise
- » Increase competitive advantage through best design practice in all areas, including products, services and business strategy
We will specifically engage in projects that encompass the following areas:
Sustainable Design Sustainable design sees the development of products and services as also taking into consideration factors of environment, society and affordability. At the heart of sustainable design is often innovative thinking and the goal of reducing environmental impact - aspects which lend themselves well to design-led thinking.
Interaction Design Interaction design is about how people systems behave towards one another. Typically, interaction design analyses and improves human interaction with software, mobile technologies yet, more subtly, interaction design engages in interfaces of any kind. Interaction Design is user-led, so research and testing is often conducted and informed by people interacting with systems and services.
Strategic Design Strategic design is the practice of employing future-orientated design principles to create innovation and improve competitiveness of your company, business or organisation. Strategic design encourages businesses to not only embrace change, but seek it. Not doing so risks leaving innovation and advantage to competitors. Delivering breakthrough design requires a high-level vision, insight into future trends, understanding the relationship of technology to social change, user-centered design expertise, and recognising your business as part of a bigger whole.
Products and services Design can often tangibly be recognised in the form of products, from mobile phones to furniture to specialist equipment. Increasingly, design is also being recognised in service providers - such as planning and organizing people, infrastructure, communication and material components of a service. Design thinking is being used more and more by companies to improve quality and experience of customers and employees.
The OiD ADRC has access to co-funding for projects which are undertaken in collaboration with the community and industry.
Alistair and the team can help pull together a project group to suit your requirements. This will be made up of design professionals from the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic, and may also include experts from collaborating institutions and companies both nationally and internationally.
Alistair Regan
General Manager – Otago Institute of Design
Manager – Applied Design Research Centre
