Design Factory New Zealand: A co-creation space where students work in multidisciplinary teams with industry partners to solve complex problems

Abstract

This workshop provided an opportunity for participants to work with Design Factory New Zealand (DFNZ) principles to experience learning as a multidisciplinary team, working on a complex problem. Participants had a chance to see how DFNZ acts as a transformation agent within students, staff, institution and the wider community. DFNZ as a curriculum allows students to explore new themes that challenge the usual paradigms. We encourage students to take ownership of their learning, to be open minded, and to have the freedom to respond to solutions without the shackles of a traditional design process driven by cost. By partnering with industry and exposing students to create solutions for real world problems, DFNZ has the aim of producing global citizens who have a better chance of succeeding in the workplaces of the future. Currently DFNZ has facilitated learning to students from Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Communication, Information Technology, Business, Design and Sports Science. Industry partners working with the DFNZ team tap into a pool of carefully selected and motivated students who are supported to come up with innovative and holistic solutions to their problems. Industry can use DFNZ as an opportunity to solve specific and existing needs of the company, or utilise fresh thinking to approach complex and wider issues. Involvement with the Design Factory can provide industry with critical strategic insight