Supporting actions, Conclusion and next steps

Supporting actions

Beyond the recommendations above, the HE sector, research funders, and industry should work together to:

– Review university entry requirements, examining how HE institutions can encourage more students to take D&T, and whether D&T students are disadvantaged during application because of the perception that they have a taskoriented approach. Explore options for contextual recruitment to strengthen D&T’s standing.

– Fund research to address evidence gaps on the value of D&T. There are many significant evidence gaps around design education. Research should be commissioned to help establish an ROI for the subject and develop the evidence base on best practice. This could include a longitudinal study about the impact of studying design on the future careers of students; or an equivalent to UCL’s ASPIRES research project on science career aspirations and subject choices. Research should aim to support developing teaching practice in schools.

Conclusion and next steps

The Design Council will continue to work with partners across design education, engineering, creative industries, and schools to advocate for the future of design education, and engagement with technology, creativity and designing in schools.

We strive to work with the incoming government, DfE, DCMS, and the Creative Industries Council to prioritise areas for action and develop government support for change.