Design Education Futures

The current state of design education requires that we meet changes in scale, economy, technology, attitudes, and expectations. Gen Z has proven to be the most diverse generation in modern history, valuing inclusion across race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. They see college as a means to launch their careers and use technology as an extension of themselves. This cohort values project-based and applied-learning, which positions graphic design as a field of study that is highly desirable. They overall require more contact with professors and peers and need more guidance on study habits, wellness and communication. As higher education prepares to meet the “enrollment cliff,” how are we as educators providing students with an experience that they cannot afford to miss out on?

This panel welcomes paper presentations that address current and future approaches to meeting student needs in design education.