2-Day Workshop - Creativity in Design
Title: Creativity in Design
Speaker: Martin JT Ould BEng(Hons) MCIM FHEA
Affiliation: The University of Bristol
When: 25th (pm) and 26th (am and pm) April 2018
Where: Design Studio (ALL304), School of Engineering
Host: Prof Dirk Schaefer (Industrial Design)
Abstract
We all have our own ways of thinking, deciding and acting when solving problems; we’re all different, aren’t we? Are you so sure about that? We all have our own style, also known as preferences.
Problem-solving style can influence our behaviour when working alone or in a team, sharing information, making decisions and managing change. Creativity and design are processes that trigger and manage change. Without change, where would we be?
If everyone in an industrial sector all thinks and acts in the same way, then how can anyone come up with a design that has distinct advantages over those offered by rivals? Diversity in thought and action is essential to differentiate our designs from others. We therefore need style diversity embedded in our design teams. Diversity can only be achieved if we are able to identify individual style preferences within a team, and then balance the range of styles as best we can.
There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ styles, but problems can arise when teams appear to have homogeneous style patterns. Successful teams contain a diversity of styles, which makes them better able to apply these differences on a range of problems and tasks.
So, do you want to find out what your problem-solving style looks like?
Biography
Engineering design and problem-solving have been the life-blood of Martin’s career in both industry and academia. Having worked his way through numerous different technical, professional and management roles, it often came down to theses question: what do we have to do to sustain our competitive position, and what will the customer think about it?
Employed initially as a gas turbine designer, transferring into business development and eventually specialising in corporate strategy, Martin has faced a great range of different problems. He has also worked with a wide range of personalities, which triggered his interest in the psychology of creativity and problem-solving.
Martin is married, lives near Bath and has two teenage daughters. He is a passionate fan of the Ireland rugby union teams and enjoys walks in the countryside with his two spaniels, if he ever gets any spare time!
Free food (pizza / sandwiches) will be provided on both days
Registration required: Please confirm attendance via the Industrial Design Society FB page by 18 April at the latest. Alternatively, contact James Clarke (sgjclar7@liverpool.ac.uk) or Charlotte Mears (sgcmears@liverpool.ac.uk) to reserve your place.