International Collaboration in an Industrial Design Studio*

This paper describes networking in Industrial Design education between students from a number of international universities that worked independently on a vehicle-design project. The results were presented in a joint exhibition, held in Tokyo Japan, to leading Asian vehicle manufacturers such as Nissan, Mazda and Isuzu motors. The paper describes the networking that occurred between the universities, highlighting the different modes of communication needed when running a design studio involving lecturers and students from around the world; motivation and differences in expectations; cultural differences; timeframes and university programs; and the understanding of what a design studio comprises. In addition, the paper discusses issues of creativity and how these can be applied in conjunction with an international project to achieve the best possible outcome; the procedures involved in setting up the co-operative project; and the role of the vehicle manufacturers over the duration of the project.