Abstract
This paper describes processes and outcomes of collaborative projects between academia and industry. Such projects bring many direct and indirect benefits to academia, students and industry partners. In particular the paper discusses;
• Project Partners and Drivers
• Benefits and Challenges
• Collaborative Projects the Process
• Project Case Studies
The Product Design | Sustainable Futures programme combines the discipline of product design with the rapidly emerging field of sustainability. Students are introduced to and become proficient with a variety of sustainable design tools, methodologies and strategies. Students throughout their education explore through research and design projects lean how to integrate sustainable innovation into the product design process. The product designer's role is key; decisions made during the design phase can dramatically alter, for better or worse the environmental and social impacts and indeed the commercial success of a particular product. Collaborative projects with industry partners are a useful means to test and realise this goal.