90% of designers think design education is failing students

Nine out of ten designers think design education isn’t preparing students for work in the design industry, according to a new survey.

Source: Jeffrey Zeldman

The D&AD poll also found that 86 per cent of respondents agree with Victoria & Albert Museum director Martin Roth, who recently wrote that the UK education system “leaves too many design students lacking ‘basic skills’”.
Among the responses were claims that those learning design should be taught more digital skills and should be given advice about the many careers that can be had in the creative industry.
One respondent said: “I don’t think that nearly enough time, if any, is given to how to use design to earn a living. Many students emerge very creative, but with no idea what their ideas are worth or what is reasonable value to ask for.”
Another said: “Looking at the hundreds of student portfolios reviewed each year, the UK isn’t arming our young designers with core design skills that are at a high enough standard or understanding.
“Without this skill many designers fall at the first hurdle, when it comes to their first interview. International students are winning this battle and our home-grown talent is being pushed aside.”
The survey also showed that all respondents thought that problems with the UK’s design education system could affect UK design’s international standing, and 98 per cent thought the design industry had a responsibility to drive awareness of the economic benefit it brings to the UK.
One respondent said: “China is opening 500 art schools a year, the UK is closing them. The UK needs to wake up to how the modern world works.”
The survey of just under 50 practicing designers also asked about the Art & Design GCSE consultation, which ran until September.
It found that only 19 per cent of respondents were aware that the consultation had been going on, and just 30 per cent planned to respond to it.

(Wed, 22 Oct 2014 | By Angus Montgomery, Design Week)