Katie Bunnell,Programme Leader 3D Design
Falmouth College of Art

Research Questions

What are you doing?

My post doctoral research continues to explore the development of models of sustainable design practice through the integration of new technologies with craft based design methods.

How do you define it as research?

The work has specific research questions that it is seeking to address. The work lies in a new area of practice where there is a developing body of knowledge being created by a handful of key players.

How did you get started?

This motivation to explore this area of research was driven by my experience as a practising ceramic designer-maker working as a sole practitioner and was developed as formal research through a PhD project, The Integration of New Technology into Ceramic Designer-Maker Practice, completed in March 1998.

Who are you working/collaborating with?

I am working with members of the European Academy of Design in the development of a Contemporary Craft Network and with the Dean of Faculty of Design Studies at FCA on the development of research posts in the area of sustainable design. I am also working on a book to be published by A&C Black and a special edition of The Design Journal on Designing Through Making.

Are there any outcomes already in the public domain, eg published papers, catalogues, exhibitions, reviews etc?

Yes. the PhD is published as a cross-platform CD ROM and I have published conference papers and articles and am currently exhibiting Design Research.

Who knows about your work?

EAD, DRS, FCA, Design Researchers in the field, Crafts Council.

How did they find out?

PhD publication, conference presentations, visiting lecturing.

What support are you offered by your institution?

I have been given some funding for research time for the summer term, but it has been almost impossible to keep the research going as programme leader in 3D Design.

What is the relationship between research and teaching at your institution?

I understand that I have nine weeks of allocated research time during the academic year which I believe is provided for course development although I am unclear about the institutions understanding of the use of this time. The development of a new course such as 3D Design requires continuous review and development through research over and above my specific research interests.

What support do you give others?

I am involved in a group working on the development of a Design Research Centre at FCA and in networking with external bodies/sponsors in relation to the development of research posts. I am also involved in writing these job descriptions.