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The Methods Lab

To encourage RCA students to engage with social changes and adopt inclusive and participatory design methods, the Helen Hamlyn Centre has established The Methods Lab.

This is an interdisciplinary workshop experience for design students and tutors across all disciplines and departments of the College. Two Methods Labs will be held each academic year to engage and inspire.

Projects developed via The Methods Lab could be shortlisted at the RCA summer show for the Helen Hamlyn Design Awards.

What is The Methods Lab?

The Methods Lab: Exploring Design for an Inclusive World, is a creative workshop to explore new ways to design with people for social change.

It is organised by the Helen Hamlyn Centre at the RCA in partnership with RCA departments, RCA Students' Union and external supporters.

The name originates from a study made by Hugh Aldersey-Williams, John Bound and Roger Coleman in 1999. The Methods Lab study investigated user research methods in design, resulting in around 30 methods.

Aims and benefits

  • To equip RCA design students and design educators with the tools for inclusive design through the medium of a mentored design exercise
  • To form a new collaborative network within the RCA community
  • To raise the importance of inclusive design as a tool for creativity and innovation
  • To share the Helen Hamlyn Centre's international expertise in inclusive design and increase the capacity of RCA design students to engage with disadvantaged communities and response to social issues
  • To put people at the heart of the creative process and increase understanding of the needs of disadvantaged groups, ensuring that our designed environment is inclusive and accessible.

Methods Lab 2008-2009
Methods Lab 1 was held on 11-12 November 2008. More...
Methods Lab 2 was held on 23-24 February 2009. More...

Methods Lab 2009-2010
The opening event for the first Methods Lab - Disguised: a True Design Story, with Patricia Moore in conversation with Jeremy Myerson was held on 9 November 2009. The 2 day workshop ran from 10-11 November.