A case study commissioned by the HEA Subject Centre for Art Design and Media.
This study suggests that Surface Design is an emerging curriculum area bridging the subjects of Graphics Product Design Textiles and Fine Art. One can see the merging of these distinct educational disciplines in contemporary design trade shows and a market is opening for students graduating with a shrewd awareness of this amalgamation.
At Somerset College a programme structure has developed which is gradually separating Surface Design from its original ties to Textiles. Students are now demonstrating innovative uses of diverse materials and finding expanded employment opportunities in architectural related design sectors. Education must keep pace with industry and as the UK relies increasingly on bespoke design we need to assess the way in which we categorise our creative degree courses.
