THE SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 

Under the provisions of the regulations for the degree 

MASTER OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN 

on

Tuesday July 23, 2024 

10:30 am - 12:00 pm EST

online

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Daniel Vandersteen

will present a thesis defense entitled,

"Industrial Design Leadership: Discovery and Practice of Design Leadership for Education and Professional Practice" 

Advisor:

     Dr. EunSook Kwon, Georgia Tech School of Industrial Design 

Committee:

Kevin Shankwiler, Georgia Tech School of Industrial Design

                                         Verena Paepeke-Hjeltness, Auburn University School of Industrial and Graphic Design

                                                                    Faculty and students are invited to attend this presentation.

Abstract

Professional design work within Industrial Design often involves teams of designers and specialists collaborating to research problems and devise effective solutions through iterative design processes. Effective coordination across a design team, including setting goals, strategizing, and managing projects collaboratively, requires strong leadership skills. Aspiring industrial designers typically undergo experiential learning in higher education to acquire the necessary skills. However, while training often emphasizes tangible skills, the importance of developing design leadership skills is frequently assumed to arise naturally and overlooked.

Introducing a space for learning and practicing design leadership fundamentals through experiential learning methods is crucial for cultivating the soft skills necessary for effective design. The purposes of this study are to identify design leadership fundamentals to develop teaching methods for experiential learning settings through a workshop-based design learning module to practice good leadership qualities in collaborative team activities. Drawing from an intersectional review of literature in design leadership, business and management pedagogy, team psychology, and human-centered design, structured workshops were designed to engage designers’ leadership roles and their impacts through collaborative team activities. Through this case study, we aim to provide better insights into how design leadership should be instructed within industrial design education. By understanding the importance and value of design leadership, educators can empower students to improve collaboration, enhance decision-making and advocacy skills, and foster more innovative and impactful design outcomes.