Programme Updates INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

by Jim O'Grady (Programme Director)

Though a 'new kid on the block' in terms of the Faculty of Environmental Design, the Industrial Design Programme is looking forward to celebrating its 15th anniversary in April along with its older siblings. From its beginnings in 1981 to today, the Industrial Design programme has, with increasing success, sought to formulate and communicate a uniquely appropriate approach to the preparation for and profession of Industrial Design for the late 20th century and beyond. The driving purpose has been the development of a programme which emphasizes thoughtful, effective design, that addresses the social, environmental, and economic needs of users, without ignoring the individual designer's own desire for expression. In order to achieve that purpose the Industrial Design programme, following the example set by its sibling programmes, has followed a path less well travelled. That path has been somewhat controversial but, with graduates gaining stature locally, nationally and internationally, the programme can now say that its vision works and look beyond to the next twenty five years of development. In that next twenty five years, although the Industrial Design programme will not waver from its original core purpose it can be anticipated that the fact of Industrial Design will change as much if not more than it has in the previous quarter century. It is the intent of the Industrial Design Programme in the Faculty of Environmental Design to anticipate, consider and respond to those changes. The programme believes that by continuing to focus on its core purpose it can become one of the best Industrial Design programmes in the world; a destination programme, that can work with its fellow programmes in EVDS to effect the changes necessary to enhance the livability of an increasingly connected, collaborative world. Congratulations are in order for ID Alumni Keith Hanna and Barry Wylant of Outsource Management Inc. who will be honoured with an award for Design Distinction in the soon to be released 1996 Annual Design Review published by Industrial Design magazine. The award, in the consumer products category, is for their 'Tracker' hands-free computer mouse that they designed for Madenta, an Edmonton manufacturer. This comes on top of their recent star turn in 'Avenue', a local publication devoted to the growing local arts scene. Rollette: a rotary cutter that suggest a new concept for blade mounting that allows a quick and safe blade change. Designed by Erez Pedro

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