Design Anthropology Students
Student Experience
Stephen Cox
Graduate Diploma of Design (Design Anthropology) - Full-Time, Online Student
"My first degree was in anthropology and archaeology, but during my career I drifted into the world of design. I've always had an affiliation to the view of diversity and wide ranging systems thinking that has come from my undergraduate study but felt my theoretical base might need a bit of refreshing.
I saw Dori present at the EPIC (ethnography in praxis conference) a few years ago so knowing her reputation in academic and design communities gave me confidence that the course would be challenging and interesting.
Working full time and keeping up to date with everything is challenging but there is help available through digital bulletin boards and blogs.
I'm actually really loving the fundamental design studio course – it’s a bit weird doing it remotely but there is so much creativity in the group, and everyone attacks a problem from from a different angle. It’s been a great experience so far."
Julie Cook
Master of Design (Design Anthropology)
"My background as an Art Director in Advertising exposed me to different industries. But there was a lack of female role models in my industry. I see Dori as the role model, that is so lacking for women like me who are currently working in the industry.
With the changing landscape in design and the creative industries as a whole, being introduced to Dori's course with its holistic approach to creative industries was a breath of fresh air. I could no longer ignore the fact that as a practitioner I needed to be exposed to Anthropology and gain a clear understanding of the human factor and how it shapes projects. There are currently no other universities in Australia who are offering a course like this. (I have been looking for a number of years).
I love the diversity of the information available to us, the many different view points and theories we are being exposed to. As much as we would like to think we are open to new ideas, there is nothing like being in a space where your assumptions and understanding are stretched and you are presented with the opportunity to question your status quo. This openness, although much talked about in the industry, is not widely practiced. The course allows you to have these discussions in a supportive environment, so you can facilitate the experience outside of the learning environment. This has been priceless for me."
