The word design means different things to different people. In many cases, it bases on the perception of an individual towards a specific product or object. People tend to think of design as a noun. For example, “that’s a good design,” however the plan is a verb within the current context of Design and Technology.
It’s a way of looking at the world, it’s not an “it” but rather a “how.” A method of doing things. It’s the process of converting an idea to the real world application whether we’re talking about the app you’re using or the car you’re driving.
Since the incorporation of Design and Technology in the UK curriculum in 1989, we have seen an increase in the quality of engineers produced by the school system. Being taught from a very early age, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in math and physics in a real-world scenario. Taking the abstract and bringing it into an applicable model that is easier to understand.
Furthermore, students can learn about the technologies used within the design process that make their everyday tools and products. It provides deeper insight into what makes our world work and creates a more profound appreciation within the minds of the students.
Stimulating the Creative Process
Within a world where technology is becoming ever more inexpensive, the creative process is becoming more critical. It is because of technology, as with any tool, is only as good as the person who is operating it.
Design & Technology teaches people to utilize their creative processes to solve real-world problems. It shows you problem-solving and motivates you to look outside the box of the conventional to find a solution that will work for a particular problem.
This skill also translates well into other sectors within society, providing students with a more robust approach to their particular discipline.
A Future within the Workplace
Another aspect we must consider is that the combined niches of the “Creative” sector within the UK is worth roughly five hundred billion pounds per year. Furthermore, there is a massive demand for labor with these particular skill sets.
Seeing that roughly 1.9 million new engineers will need in the decade leading up to 2022, this means that within a world that is becoming ever more automated, the security in employment becomes a significant benefit of Design & Technology.
Many people who cling to the “old ways” have been made redundant. By this, we mean that their function within society is no longer valuable seeing that technology is replacing the need for physical labor.
For those who have a background in design & technology, they have a more secure future with a potential for higher earnings than that of many other industries. Additionally, understanding that there is a considerable demand, and the sheer versatility of the subject matter, students with this background will have a myriad of choices when selecting a career path.
Solving the World’s Problems
Technology has increased the efficiency of humanity like never before. We face significant catastrophic potential problems, and it is subjects like Design & Technology that will cultivate the skills needed to solve these issues.
From issues relating to the environment, disease, infrastructure and so forth, it is the mentality that instills by design & technology that will provide the framework to address these robust problems.
Whereas many people look at the world’s problems and try to figure out why; engineers, creative people, and inventors see at solutions not yet thought of and asks, “why not?”
It is the very premise that we desperately need within a world that is expanding at an accelerated pace. From topics such as global warming or overpopulation, to even more alien concepts such as government and corruption; design & technology will provide the mindset to address these problems and make the world more efficient.
Better by Design
We cannot fathom how the world will be within the next decade. Technology has allowed humanity to connect like never before. We are finally in a position where we can design a future that meets the needs of everybody. Where the old ways of the privileged no longer hold humanity in a choke hold.
Now, the individual is empowered, and ideas have more value than ever before. Design and Technology provide humanity the necessary tools to become better, more efficient have less impact on our surroundings.
Something as simple as urban farming and hydroponics, designed by engineers and scientists, have revolutionized the production of food that can feed an ever-growing population. Smart cars, smart houses, and smart technology are increasing our efficiency while decreasing our negative impact on the world.
Author: Joan Young is an aspiring journalist and copywriter with deep interest in sociology, inventions and technological progress. In a spare from travelling minute, she provides online tutoring sessions to international students and finds immense pleasure in witnessing their writing progress. Currently he is working for AdvancedWriters.com, a custom essay writing service.