Where does it start?
For programs in Canada, this is a post-secondary offer. In other parts of the world however, UK for example, 'Design and Technology' begins the design journey. This can be the craft of bespoke pieces, low run custom products and learning the processes required for mass production, materials and marketing. There are however, other countries who's 'Design and Technology' (DT) teaching begins exposure to craft based industrial design to mass production in addition to the UK, for example:
Malaysia, Brunei, Bermuda, Singapore, India, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Jordan and Botswana. [1]
In Canada, we wait, we wait until college or university. However, there is something called the International Baccalaureate. It is however unknown to this author where in Canada this is on offer. According to Wikipedia [1]:
IB Design Technology (DT) is an elective subject offered in many International Baccalaureate schools globally. Technology is also offered in the IB Middle Years Programme as a compulsory subject for grades 6–10, and at the Diploma Programme level (grades 11-12). IB Design Technology is very similar in content to Design Technology, which is widely offered in the national curricula of England, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and many African nations. It is one of the Group 4 sciences.
The primary focus of MYP Technology is to give students an understanding of the design cycle, through a practical programme. The student will complete projects based on solving a real and authentic problem. Students document their progress as they follow the design cycle to come to a feasible solution. They create the solution and then evaluate it following thorough testing.
The Diploma Programme of Design Technology is a two-year introduction to designing, a range of fundamentals of technology, and global technological issues. It provides students with the knowledge to be able to design and make in school workshops, and also to develop an informed literacy about technology in general. Because it is an international curriculum it has a particular focus on global environmental issues. It covers core topics in design, materials, product development and innovation, energy, structures, mechanisms and sustainability. Students can then specialize in one of textiles, electronic products, food, computer aided design or human factors. The diploma is accepted for university entrance in many countries, and is a good preparation for careers in areas such as engineering, architecture, design and education."
What do we have in Canada? From undergrad to post grad courses, ACID Canada lists the programs [2]. Below however, are the programs indicating the official start to your industrial design college and professional programs start. This does not include bachelor and diploma programs or higher. These will be the subject of a future post.
QC:
Dawson College
CEGEP de Sainte-Foy
CEGEP du Vieux Montreal
ON:
Sheridan College
Fanshawe College
Georgian College
Humber College
BC:
Kootenay School of the Arts
[2] http://www.designcanada.org/index_files/CanStac_Spec_an.pdf
For related resources, Design for Disassembly, Eco-Design, Environment and AD Technology guidelines related to this can be downloaded for free at:
http://www.activedisassembly.com/strategy/
