Futureground

Monash University, one of Australia's leading research universities, is proud to host the Design Research Society International Conference - FUTUREGROUND, in Melbourne during November 2004.

The conference will debate directions emerging from design research around the world. No researcher, educator, practitioner or research student should miss this opportunity.

The conference will cover an extensive range of topics including human-centred design, sustainability, architecture, industrial design, engineering, philosophy, visual communication, design practice and education amongst many others.

The evolution of research in our field is at a critical point. The conceptualisation of research 'in' and 'by' design focused on design's cultural contribution as well as on its functionality, and the emergence of a studio-based 'research practice', challenges many current notions of design research. As well as the interrogation of current research thinking by the keynote speakers, the conference will also be the forum for 'The Third Degree' debate, in which the 'comfort zones' of current research will be vigorously challenged. FUTUREGROUND may well be a watershed in this evolution - you need to be there! The scope of the conference ensures that your research and/or professional area will be covered. The international spread of speakers provides a major networking opportunity for designers and researchers.

For further information visit the Futureground website.