Blended learning technologies in product design education

One of the notable consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a radical shift to blended learning across education settings, including HE. Blended learning has risen to prominence in the last year as students and tutors have been forced to adopt and adapt to new ways of working. Creative subjects such as design which rely on studio practice, peer-peer learning, and hands-on material experimentation have been challenged through adoption of these changes. This paper explores the short-term changes which have been made and assesses the impact for the near and long term future of design pedagogy. The study focuses on three contrasting accredited UK BSc product design courses; (1) top 40 rank HEI (2) bottom 20 rank HEI (3) online HEI. The authors reviewed course materials, suitability and adaptability for online teaching and student outputs from the last 3 years, including the use of online environments and digital prototyping to try and establish virtual design studios. Feedback from students and tutors is included and evaluated. The contrast between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations in students from the 3 different teaching institutions is discussed along with examples of learning and teaching activities and their efficacy. The findings conclude that while innovative teaching methods are evident, there is a lack of design iteration and innovation, peer-peer learning and practised understanding of form and proportion. While new teaching methods and techniques show promise, the present need to maintain physical studio and learning spaces and to enhance the culture of practical, physical working is noted.