Inspired by the achievements of the British Olympic team, we imagine an ideal future in which the Industrial Design community and academia work together for mutual benefit. And although collaboration has flourished in some areas, we look at how BDI is taking the initiative to bring the two closer together.

Now is a good time to be a designer according to Gus Desbarats, BDI Chairman, in his article Open Communication in New Design. Companies need someone to interpret human behaviour and see how this will impact on the products and services they are offering. But while the majority of Industrial Designers have a very adaptable skill set, they don’t broadcast this loudly enough to clients.