Products, the contexts in which they function, and the relationships with people they imply, act as meaningful markers of an era. This is why they merit sound research and the views of creative designers who (are not afraid to) look beyond the quick ‘solution’ and beyond the boundaries of their own profession.

Central to the programme is the research into the cultural and social meanings attached to products and contexts that have developed over time. This means students will spend time studying developments on a macro level; the social, ecological, technological and cultural processes the world is currently facing. In addition, students will focus on developments at micro level, such as knowledge of functions, shapes, materials, production techniques, and their meanings.

Certain types of context demand a strong authorship from a designer, a role that may touch upon that of a visual artist. Others may demand intensive collaborations, for example with scientific researchers, the creative industry, urban planners, architects or professionals. Within each design theme we will focus on the question: which role can the designer take on within this context, within this theme, and within this collaboration? It takes reflection, analytical skill, ethical awareness and a sense of aesthetics; skills students will develop during their course at Design Academy Eindhoven.

Programme leader: Louise Schouwenberg

Team
In 2011-12 the following mentors are involved in the programme:
Gijs Assmann (artist), Cornel Bierens (artist and theorist), Mikel van Gelderen (architect), Hansje van Halem (graphic designer), Koen Kleijn (art historian/journalist), Jan Konings (designer), Ted Noten (jewellery designer), Louise Schouwenberg (theoretician), Dries Verbruggen (designer), Herman Verkerk (architect), Barbara Visser (artist), and a range of guest teachers, including Ronan Bouroullec (designer), Bart Guldemond (designer), Hella Jongerius (designer), Jeroen van Mastrigt (researcher art & technology), Erik Mattijssen (artist), and others.

History team
Over the past few years the following people have been involved in this Research programme:
Maarten Baas (designer), Joost Grootens (architectural and graphic designer), Ni Haifeng (artist), Ineke Hans (designer), Chris Kabel (designer), Koen Kleijn (journalist), Vinca Kruk (graphic designer), Ted Noten (jewellery designer), Oana Rades (architect), Ronald Rietveld (landscape architect), Louise Schouwenberg (theoretician), Herman Verkerk (architect), Barbara Visser (artist) and a range of guest teachers, among whom Scott Burnham (design researcher), Jerszy Seymour (designer) and Hella Jongerius (designer).