Helen Hamlyn Research Associates 2001

The Research Associates are 14 new design graduates of the Royal College of Art.

They have been co-funded by the Helen Hamlyn Research Centre and a range of external industry partners to spend an extra year in the RCA studios working on socially inclusive design projects for living, working and travelling.

Their projects investigate the new design challenges that arise when populations age, patterns of work change and demand for greater mobility intensifies. User research is integral to each study.

Ellie Ridsdale

Three research narratives express these themes:

Age and Health
three projects aimed at encouraging a more active and independent lifestyle among older people.

Working Lives
six projects exploring design issues related to changing patterns of work.

Urban Mobility
four projects propose use of new technologies and design methods to improve mobility and wayfinding in city centres and airports.

Arash Kaynama

The Research Associates 2001 have been drawn from five RCA departments: Architecture and Interiors; Communication Art and Design; Design Products; Industrial Design Engineering and Vehicle Design.

The work was presented at the RCA at a symposium on 9 October 2001 and in an exhibition 10-18 October 2001. A catalogue of the final show is available for download.