Design leadership for the future of work: report

Design leadership for the future of work: report

A new report on the future of work explores the crucial role of designers in achieving more equitable and sustainable ways of working.

The report, Design Leadership for the Future of Work  (PDF 2M) published by RMIT Europe, shares insights from design practitioners, industry leaders and leading academics on the impact of COVID-19 on working environments and the role of designers in rethinking workplaces that are ethical, caring and effective.   

Spearheaded by RMIT's Dean of the School of Design Professor Laurene Vaughan, and RMIT's Professor Sarah Teasley, the report addresses how designers can create and lead transformations towards more equitable and sustainable working environments, cultures, relationships, and processes. 

11 January 2022

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Experts share their insights on design leadership for the future of work in a new report published by RMIT Europe.Experts share their insights on design leadership for the future of work in a new report published by RMIT Europe.

Highlights from the report include: 

The impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable communities. The global pandemic has disproportionately affected workers in low paid service industries, such as care and transport services, as well as food production. 

Digital transformation across industries and sectors. There are more opportunities to connect with bigger and more diverse audiences, enhancing our ability to fluently interact and collaborate in a multidisciplinary way.  

The new ‘office space’ concept. The workspace has transitioned from a mono-purpose ‘get-things-done’ place towards a multifunctional, flexible hub for meaningful interactions. 

Why student resilience is important. Building resilience can help design students shape their practice, where they will not only be challenged by the ecosystem they are trying to change, but also by their own design processes. 

Future workforces through inclusive design. The expansion of human-centred design has led to a reconfiguration of the design practice in a more inclusive way that considers care for others as well as care for ourselves, as designers. 

Report contributors include  Dr Susana Saiz, Director of Sustainable Development in the Europe Region at Arup Spain; Dr Albert Fuster Martí, Academic Director at ELISAVA; Dr Rebecca Price, Assistant Professor of Transition Design at Delft University of Technology; and RMIT researchers Dr James Oliver and Dr Marius Foley.

 

Story: Inés Crosas Remón

Download the full report (PDF 2M)
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11 January 2022

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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