A pandemic, no jobs that interested me, and a burning desire to learn more – all this played a part in my decision to study MDes Global Design at Cardiff Met.
I first became interested in social design on the BA (Hons) Graphic Communication course, where I was introduced to the idea of ‘Design for Good’ and the power that designers hold in shaping society.
I’ve always been interested in using design to create positive change in the world, and after having a glimpse of what it could do at undergrad level, it felt like the perfect time to dedicate a year to learning more about what it means to be a social designer – and also the responsibility that comes with designing for positive change. As designer and activist Mike Monteiro puts it, ‘We are Gatekeepers’.
So What exactly is Global Design? In a nutshell, it’s designing with people and for people to create positive change in the world.
Everyone on the course is different in their specialism, interests and walk of life. No two experiences are the same, and that’s what makes the course so special — we all bring a different outlook to the conversation, which is exactly what the industry needs more of.
Right now, I’m the only graphic designer on the course. Some of my course mates joined from the Architectural Design and Technology, Textiles and Interior Design undergraduate courses at Cardiff Met. Others have experience of working in the field, and are looking to develop their research.
Our projects are as different as we are. My main interest right now is the technological revolution and our digital society, and how that affects our mental health and wellbeing. Others are researching sustainable housing or consumption habits.
The course is a safe place to ask questions and make mistakes. We encourage asking ‘why’ and celebrate collaboration. It puts the skills that you’ve developed at undergraduate level, or on the job, into contexts that highlight the need for change, and how we can achieve that through design.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard work and there are times where I find myself down a rabbit hole of research – but it’s all part of the process. My research has changed a lot in the space of 6-7 months. The course focuses on challenging the norms within design practices, so we’re encouraged to accept changes to our research, and follow it where it leads – even if it’s not what we set out to look at in the first place. Again, it’s all part of the process!
I enjoyed the transition from undergrad to postgrad. It feels more independent and open, but still has that wonderful collaborative community feel that came with being on the Graphic Communication course.
Even starting in the midst of a pandemic couldn’t stop us from getting to know each other and forming a wonderful community – a lot of us haven’t met in person, and yet each week we gather online and talk about what we’ve been up to, the research we’re doing, our plans for the weekend. The lecturers are amazing too, but that goes without saying. There’s so much support and plenty of opportunities for feedback that I’ve not felt much of a leap in terms of transition between courses.
I don’t really know where I’ll go after this. The dream is to have a social design studio of my own someday — but I’m a while off from that yet. I’m currently freelancing and applying to jobs that spark my interest, but I’m trying to take each day as it comes for the most part – if the last year and a half has taught me anything it’s not to plan too far ahead.
