In October 2003, Kyushu Institute of Design and Kyushu University merged, and the Graduate School of Design was created in Kyushu University. In 2008, a new department entitled Design Strategy was introduced while the existing department of Design was reformed into four courses. The focus of these changes was on creating an environment suitable for the study and research of design in the fast developing 21st Century.
The “humanizing of technology” is a concept central to both the School of Design and Graduate School of Design here in Kyushu University. Originating in 1968 as a response to the detrimental effects of fast economic growth on people’s standard of living, this concept describes the efforts made to utilize technological advancements for the benefit of human welfare. During this time, a lack of ethical standards during rapid economic progress was the cause of much environmental disruption. Still now, little provision is made to solve such problems affecting people and communities. Indeed, after forty years, the need to address this situation with the philosophy of humanizing of technology is now much greater than ever.
Among a wide range of interdisciplinary skills and programs incorporating mixed science and literature, we believe that the study of design should strive to embody philosophy in its pursuit of fostering dynamic and multi-skilled designers. At the School of Design and Graduate School of Design, the fundamentals of human physiology and psychological behaviour are taught and artistic sensibilities stimulated. The curriculum is designed to foster students capable of proposing and presenting original and creative ideas. Attention to ethical values is also strongly emphasized in the courses, with a consideration of community welfare being a central focus of our design technology.
Faculty of Design has been receiving Special Coordination Funds for Promoting Science and Technology for our “Advanced Digital Content Design Unit” and “Hall Management Engineer”. Such success demonstrates our commitment in fostering the next generation of designer. Progress made in our research can also be seen at our exhibition site in Tokyo Midtown, where developments made in collaborations with industry are also on display.
In recent years, the effects of globalization have gained much attention from a wide array of academic fields. With the liberalization of trade and stimulation of economic competition, Japan is now heavily involved in the global industry and market system dominated by developed countries. While it is necessary to succeed in this global competition, it must be remembered that the livelihoods of many people and communities in this world are seriously affected through globalization. The biggest challenge facing design technology in the 21st Century is how to successfully confront both the merits and demerits of globalization. It is this challenge that I hope all future students of our School of Design and Graduate School of Design will tackle with both passion and enthusiasm.
