Do as I do, not just as I tell you: taking students on a research journey

This paper explores four key case studies involving 2nd and final year BSc Product Design students in academic research projects, engaging with the public, industrial clients, and the public sector on live externally funded research projects. Undergraduate students are often taught how to undertake research or required to engage in meaningful primary research on their own projects. However, the opportunity for students to engage on real live projects working alongside academics is explored in this paper alongside the benefits and pitfalls of engaging in such projects as active design researchers. The case studies range from 2018 to the present day and concern two Road Safety projects and a Circular Economy study. Students were led through a research process as apprentices collecting and analysing their own research alongside academics, receiving guidance and support from a range of qualitative research techniques including interviews, observations and focus groups. A key benefit of conducting research collaboratively is that students gain a genuine appreciation and understanding of the rigour required in research. The inclusion of undergraduate students also demystifies the research process for the students and has benefits for the academics and external agencies involved

Challenges and opportunities of remotely working from home during Covid-19 pandemic

The demand of online remote working from home significantly increased in 2020/21 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This unforeseen situation has forced individuals and organisations to rapidly train employees and adopt the use of on-line working styles, seeking to maintain the same level of productivity as working from the office. The paper outlines a survey conducted amongst people working from home to identify the challenges and opportunities this change in workstyle offers. At the beginning of the pandemic, many employees faced difficulties adapting to using online tools and combining their working hours with daily routines and family commitments. However, the results show that within a short period of time the respondents had managed to develop the necessary experience and knowledge for digital working utilising tools such as collaboration platforms and video conferencing. A large proportion of respondents recognised the advantage of eliminating travelling time when working remotely from home which also has a positive impact on the environment and CO2 emissions. However, some drawbacks have been identified such as the lack of face-to-face discussion and informal meetings during working days. The Self-Determination Theory is discussed within the context of this paper and it has been found that the theory could provide an explanation of the efficient and rapid adaptation of the technology be employees