Join us for the launch of Digital Design Network Plus (D2N+), a one-day workshop introducing this exciting new network, its mission, and Case Study 1. The event will bring together the D2N+ community to explore the challenges and ambitions of the first case study, setting the stage for collaborative innovation in designing next-generation sustainable products. Expect inspiring talks, an introduction to the interdisciplinary approach that defines D2N+, and the opportunity to connect with experts across sectors.

D2N+ is committed to building an equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible community. As part of our Network we have reserved funding to support those wishing to attend our events.  These funds are primarily aimed at PhD students, ECR’s and those with caring responsibilities. For those wishing to avail of these funds, please contact digitaldesignnetwork@qub.ac.uk for further information. 

Reflections of D2N+ Launch Event by Mike Harvey

My thanks to James Gopsill and Ben Hicks for the invitation to attend the launch of D2N+ recently.  As I mentioned to them both at the time, I thought it might be useful to write a short piece about my thoughts and feelings relating to this venture…

To give a bit of background about me, and my interest in this area.  I am officially retired from work as a director of Amalgam Modelmaking, a Bristol based company with links to Bristol University and the product design / creative industries in the South West of England.  On retiring I was invited by Ben Hicks to take up an honorary position with the Design and Manufacturing Futures Lab at the University of Bristol, I am also a director of The Product Partnership, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to assist Start-ups and SMEs to develop their ideas and take them from concept to market.  This is fully funded by the member companies and is a free service to the client, though the hope is that they will go on to commission our members to undertake commercial work for them. 

Personally, I have lived through a period when my trade went from a very “hands-on” craft-based occupation to one that used a wide range of 2D and 3D CAD processes, CNC machining, CAM, 3D printing and many other digital tools, whilst still maintaining a very human, skill-based core.  I am a passionate advocate for the need to include human elements in the design process, but also keen to see how digital technology can assist at all stages of design and manufacture. 

So, to the launch event… 

Great to meet and talk to several of you, and to listen to the elevator pitches, case studies and opinions presented.  Rare indeed to be in the same room as so many leading academics AND representatives of cutting-edge companies such as Rolls Royce, Airbus, UKAEA and more.  It was inspiring to hear the vision and determination voiced regarding the circular economy and the “Faster, better, with less” mantra that was repeated by several speakers.  I can only hope that these worthy aspirations will be turned into meaningful real-world actions. 

I do however want to make a case that I felt was possibly missing from the official running order…  Please don’t forget the smaller players in the rush to implement this high-end digital revolution. 

Universities and large companies have comparatively huge resources for software, high-end computing solutions and development budgets.  But many, in fact, probably most, product designers and design engineers, do not work in these organisations.  Their considerable contribution to design and manufacturing is more often as part of an SME with somewhere between 10 and 50 employees, and a tight eye kept on the budget.  They often have to make tough choices over which software package, or piece of technology to invest in to get best ROI.  Having access to the latest version of everything is simply not viable for them, leave alone being able to dedicate the time required to become proficient in its use.

In many cases that I am aware of, design companies doing vital work that feeds into the bigger operations are actually just a few people, occasionally even, just one person, but they are still a vital part of the network that drives innovation.  These individuals, rarely if ever, have the time or capacity to attend such events, and so their voice is not often heard, but their contribution is vital.  We need to ensure that their needs are addressed alongside those of academia and big industry if we are not to deprive ourselves of a lot of potential innovation and original thinking. 

To be honest, I’m not sure how.  Various national organisations exist that try to fill the gap. The Design Business Association (DBA) and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) spring to mind, though they are far more broadly based, and many of the smaller design practices will not be members, so I think it vital, that D2N+ takes the initiative and has an active outreach programme, designed to include, support and encourage the small design practices to get involved and play a role. 

I do know that, as individuals, most if not all academics, would like to ensure the widest possible outreach, and I’m sure the rest of this group will feel the same way.  I just think it possible, likely even, that this vital part of our industry can all too easily get lost or overlooked, my mission is to try and ensure that D2N+ does not fall into that trap.