The new Industrial Design program and faculty in Eindhoven

In this paper, we analyze important trends both in technology and in society in order to understand the new demands and challenges to the design profession. We conclude that, in order to respond to these challenges, there is a need for a new type of design research, as well as new ways of teaching design. We suggested that, in this context, “Designed Intelligence” and “Competence-based learning” play an important role. We state the nature of this designed intelligence and identify it as a relevant and appropriate territory to explore with the aim of contributing to the global scientific community. The project we want to present is the creation of the new Industrial Design faculty and education program at the Eindhoven University of Technology. The course started in September 2001 and is fully based on an innovative model of competence-based learning. The strategic partners are the Design Academy Eindhoven and Philips Design. Focus will be on the design of intelligent products, services and experiences, i.e. on designs in which the physical and the virtual come together. The presentation will consist of three parts: The Future of the Design Profession, the ID Eindhoven Education Model, and Research in Designed Intelligence. The presentation will show how the vision has been translated into the program and will report on the experiences so-far.