MAPPING PRIORITIES IN PRODUCT DESIGN: STUDENT INSIGHTS ON COURSE CONTENT AND PROFESSIONAL RELEVANCE.

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Published: Mar 17, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/dac.38854
Keywords:
design research Product design Industrial design Higher design education Product design practice
Jeremy Aston
ESAD College of Art & Design
Luciana Barbosa
ESAD College of Art & Design
Marco Gomes
ESAD College of Art & Design
Abstract

This article presents findings from the 2023 survey titled "Study Futures for Product Design," conducted by three faculty members from ESAD College of Art and Design. The survey aimed to gather and analyse insights from one hundred undergraduate and postgraduate students regarding their experiences and expectations within their product design education. This research was motivated by ongoing observations within ESAD’s Master's program in Product Design, as well as contemporary studies on design education for the 21st century by scholars such as Michael Meyer and Don Norman. The findings underscore the evolving nature of design education, particularly the need for curricular adjustments that align more closely with the demands of the modern professional landscape. By emphasising student feedback, this article advocates for a reevaluation of current pedagogical approaches, aiming to better prepare students for the diverse and dynamic challenges of the design industry. The study calls for a shift in focus towards teaching content that enhances relevance to professional applications and optimises employment opportunities in the field of product design and related industrial specialisations.

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Author Biographies
Jeremy Aston, ESAD College of Art & Design

Jeremy is the course leader for the MA Product Design at ESAD College of Art and Design, and an award winning designer with a multidisciplinary approach to his practice, teaching, and investigation, with over two decades of professional experience in diverse industrial sectors: construction; education; electronics; health; textiles; and transportation. Born in the UK, he is now a Portuguese citizen residing near Porto. He has a Specialist Title in Industrial Design (2016) and an MA in Vehicle Design (1996), and is driven by the belief that the amalgamation of design, social trends, and emerging technologies presents an inspiring opportunity to redefine the designers’ role within business and industry. Jeremy co-authored the book 'Collective for design' (Erasmus+), which focuses on reevaluating teaching methods, and also collaborated on the 'BioMask' project (PT2020) that resulted in a patented biodegradable product for healthcare professionals. Specialising in design applied to industry, Jeremy invests his time in collaborative and innovative projects that have a positive impact on people's lives, improving products, vehicles, and services for a sustainable future.

Luciana Barbosa, ESAD College of Art & Design

Luciana Barbosa is a versatile designer and consultant with expertise spanning multiple fields, including furniture, metalwork, interior decoration, textiles, sustainability, and innovation. Her exceptional talent has earned her several accolades, such as 1st and 2nd place in cutlery design for Herdmar in 2012, 1st prize for kitchen knife design at ICEI in 2014, and an honourable mention for her “Metamorphosis” chair in the “Excellent Product Design — Furniture” category at the prestigious Design Award in 2023.

As a dedicated educator working at ESAD College of Art and Design in Matosinhos, Portugal, Luciana shares the wealth of knowledge and experience she has gained both in academia and through her professional practice. She believes that design is more than a profession—it’s a way of life. Her vision is to foster a world where humans, plants, and animals coexist in harmony, with equality and respect for historical heritage. Her approach to teaching and design is rooted in dedication, excellence, and a commitment to creating meaningful projects that contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Marco Gomes, ESAD College of Art & Design

Marco Gomes is a materials engineer with a deep passion for product design, boasting a career that spans over three decades across various industrial sectors. Educated in Portugal, Marco has developed expertise in CAD, reverse engineering, process control, and 3D printing, with a focus on the automotive, energy, healthcare, and footwear industries. His decade-long leadership of an industrial design department has shaped his distinctive approach to merging design with industry-specific demands.

Currently, Marco leads a consulting department for multinational companies, concentrating on advancing green energy solutions. His dedication to this field is evident in his efforts to enhance quality control and manufacturing processes within the wind energy sector. As a professor at ESAD College of Art and Design in Matosinhos, Portugal, Marco blends his vast practical experience with his teaching, empowering future designers to tackle the complex challenges of today’s rapidly evolving world.

References
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Meyer, M. W., & Norman, D. (2019). Changing Design Education for the 21st Century. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405872620300046
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Uddin, N. (2023). A Brief History and Evolution of UI UX Design. https://musemind.agency/blog/ui-ux-design-history
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