I am a research assistant in the Department of Industrial Design at the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey. I am also a Master of Science student studying curriculum development and instruction at the Department of Educational Sciences in the same University. I am currently conducting a survey on industrial design education for my Master's Thesis.
Enclosed is a questionnaire to gather information on the current applications of curricula in product/industrial design programs and their visions on the future of the field. Would you please kindly complete this questionnaire or pass it to the appropriate person to complete. Your prompt response will be most appreciated. All responses will be treated confidentially.
This questionnaire has been sent to the chairpersons prominent Product/Industrial Design Departments in the world whose endeavors would be of great value for my work. As the most of the questions are opinion based, you may use `key words' in your answers. If you would not answer any question for any reason please indicate that in the space provided. If you would like to receive the conclusions from this study please indicate it at the and of the questionnaire.
Lastly, I would be grateful if you can send me the documents, catalogues about your school, its curriculum development efforts and evaluation processes.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at the addresses/numbers below.
Thank you very much for your time. I look forward you hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely yours,
Ms. Canan E. UNLU (Res. Asst.)
Middle East Technical University
Department of Industrial Design
Inonu Bulv. 06531, Ankara-TURKEY
tel. 90 312 210 1000/ext.2250, fax. 90 312 210 1251
e-mail: unlu@vitruvius.arch.metu.edu.tr
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QUESTIONNAIRE ON INDUSTRIAL DESIGN EDUCATION METU/ID CU MARCH 1995
*Name of the institution & the department: Foundation Date:
*Is there any examination conducted to choose prospective students for the department? In other words, please state how the students are accepted to the department.
*What are the degree(s) offered in your department?
*What is the approximate annual number of Enrollment & Graduates?
*Number of faculty members: Total ( )
*Facilities: ( ) metal workshop, ( ) wood workshop, ( ) plastic workshop,
*Financial Resource(s): ( ) student fees, ( ) government funding, ( ) donations,
*Is there a certain educational philosophy shared by all in your department? If yes, please describe.
*The curriculum in your department can be defined as:
Which characteristics of your curriculum reflect this orientation?
*Is there any kind of `needs assessment' (a study to diagnose the curriculum needs based on various factors such as the industry, the consumer, or the student) conducted to provide guidance to the curriculum in your department? If no, do you think it should be? If yes, please state what the frequency of this process is, and who conducts it.
*How is the curriculum designed in your department? Is there any curriculum development committee? Please describe briefly.
*Which factors (such as the specialization of the faculty, staff changes, department facilities, local needs, policy changes, etc.) cause changes in the curriculum of your department? In case of a change (e.g. adding a new course or revising the content), what is the procedure followed?
*Is the curriculum of your department evaluated in any way? If yes, who does the evaluation (external, internal, or both), how often, and how it is done? If no, do you think it should be?
How has any curriculum evaluation (if you do so) affected the curriculum in your department? -Please give some examples.
*How do you describe your current students' profile in respect to their knowledge, formation (creative process of design), and communication (transmission of design decisions) skills?
Is it the same as five years ago? If not, what are the main differences?
*In your opinion, in the last five years, has there been any significant changes in priorities and responsibilities of the industrial design profession (such as environmental awareness) which must be reflected in the industrial design education? If yes, please list those priorities and responsibilities evolved in the last five years.
According to the changes and/or trends you mentioned above, has there been any modifications in your curriculum? If yes, please give specific examples.
*In your opinion, what should be the main characteristics of an ideal curriculum for industrial design education?
Do you think these characteristics you mentioned above will be transformed in the next five years? If yes, please describe.
*How do you foresee the possible future of the industrial design field in respect to emerging themes and trends as well as the responsibilities of industrial designers?
What should be done for preparing any industrial design department or program for the future you stated above?
*Please write three sentences or phrases (may be utopian) on the future of your department.
*Do you have something to add, for example an opinion about the industrial design education or the questionnaire itself?
Your position and/or your name:
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AGAIN!
CANAN E. UNLU unlu@vitruvius.arch.metu.edu.tr
Middle East Technical University,
Department of Industrial Design Inonu Bulv. 06531, Ankara-TURKEY
tel. 90 312 210 1000/ext.2250, fax. 90 312 210 1251