Loading...
An exploration of industrial design education in sustainable manufacturing : the case of South Africa, China and Norway
Author(s)
Vlok, Jacobus Christiaan
Date Issued
2022
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
This research study explores how and where Product design can develop as part of a
responsive curriculum and reveals the actors that play a role in the social practice of
sustainable Product design, post-education. The investigation focuses on how the key areas
of sustainability are currently explored in curriculum and learning and teaching practices at
three universities situated in South Africa, China and Norway. This exploration gave insights
into the current practices but also highlighted the gaps identified. The conclusions offered an
argument for a stronger relationship between Product design teaching and the emphasis on
all the variables that will influence sustainable manufacturing. The study intended to elucidate
current university practices in offering Product design students sound knowledge and skills so
that they will be able to change public and industry perceptions after their studies.
The research was motivated as a result of participation in the DesignBRICS project. This
project explored various aspects pertaining to sustainability, and sustainable manufacturing
was the focus of this research study. The research aimed to identify how sustainable
manufacturing is referenced and encouraged in Product design higher education curricula at
the participating universities from South Africa, China and Norway.
A constructivist paradigm underpinned this qualitative study, and the epistemological stance
was interpretivist. As a project participant of DesignBRICS, the author contributed interpretive
concepts from an auto-ethnographical position. In addition, the author's reflections,
questionnaire responses from research participants, and literature data were used to inform
the research.
The findings identified how sustainability and sustainable manufacturing is currently interpreted
and practised at the three universities. The key findings suggest that sustainability and
sustainable manufacturing will be best presented and taught through the concept of holistic
practice, placing the focus on the development of the key elements of sustainability, namely
societal, economic and environmental pillars as all-embracing.
responsive curriculum and reveals the actors that play a role in the social practice of
sustainable Product design, post-education. The investigation focuses on how the key areas
of sustainability are currently explored in curriculum and learning and teaching practices at
three universities situated in South Africa, China and Norway. This exploration gave insights
into the current practices but also highlighted the gaps identified. The conclusions offered an
argument for a stronger relationship between Product design teaching and the emphasis on
all the variables that will influence sustainable manufacturing. The study intended to elucidate
current university practices in offering Product design students sound knowledge and skills so
that they will be able to change public and industry perceptions after their studies.
The research was motivated as a result of participation in the DesignBRICS project. This
project explored various aspects pertaining to sustainability, and sustainable manufacturing
was the focus of this research study. The research aimed to identify how sustainable
manufacturing is referenced and encouraged in Product design higher education curricula at
the participating universities from South Africa, China and Norway.
A constructivist paradigm underpinned this qualitative study, and the epistemological stance
was interpretivist. As a project participant of DesignBRICS, the author contributed interpretive
concepts from an auto-ethnographical position. In addition, the author's reflections,
questionnaire responses from research participants, and literature data were used to inform
the research.
The findings identified how sustainability and sustainable manufacturing is currently interpreted
and practised at the three universities. The key findings suggest that sustainability and
sustainable manufacturing will be best presented and taught through the concept of holistic
practice, placing the focus on the development of the key elements of sustainability, namely
societal, economic and environmental pillars as all-embracing.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Industrial Design))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2022
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Loading...
Name
Vlok_Christiaan_215053613.pdf
Size
8.56 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):0f5f276afe861323c869b4613edcc678