Creative Britain in Reverse?

Is the subject Design and Technology important?

Well….maybe not as important as Maths or English you may be thinking. But some of the best minds in Design think otherwise. They find it is a subject that offers creative problem solving, broadens the mind and develops lateral thinking.

This month on commentvisions.com, we’re exploring innovation. In our featured video, we spotlighted Seymourpowell, world-leaders in product design, product development, consumer product research and industrial design. Seymourpowell,  in partnership with the Design & Technology Association and the James Dyson Foundation, have made their own film (see below) to promote the importance of design education in Britain’s schools and universities, its contribution to successful business, and its fundamental role in supporting the UK Economy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAZ24bukRpU&feature=player_embedded

James Dyson believes that although we need scientists and mathematicians we also need people who can apply those scientific and numerical skills together to create a working product turning ideas into commercial realities.

David Kester, Chief Executive of the Design Council thinks that D&T is absolutely critical to our economic growth. Businesses understand this which is why it is investing in it and now the education sector must understand that too.

George Osborne recently said that he wanted things designed in Britain, made and invented in Britain. But that can only happen when we make students realize that engineering is not a job you do in the garage but a rigorous academic discipline and a high tech industry.

D&T is an expensive investment, which is why it will be the first under the headteacher’s axe if it becomes non-compulsory. But this year’s Apprentice winner Tom Pellereau, a self confessed inventor has given one more reason for the prevention of Design and Technology from being downgraded in the National Curriculum review.