The Design Connections Doctoral School is funded by the Ministry of Education and the Academy of Finland for five years starting from 1.1.2007 and again for four years 2010-2013. The graduate students are from the University of Art and Design Helsinki and from the University of Lapland.

The key objectives of the doctoral school are to educate design researchers and experts on the strategic level of design and to increase the knowledge about the connections of design with the society. They focus on understanding the cultural connections of design, the links between welfare, equal participation and design, design, business and innovation, and the role of design in decision making.

The research approach in the doctoral school is multi-methodological and it clarifies design research practices and theory-making through investigating the designerly ways of knowing, learning, and knowledge generating. In addition to traditional academic research, substantial emphasis will be but on linking design practice with research. The school aims at improving the quality life through enhanced environment and artifacts, contributing to original and progressive material culture and supporting the innovativeness of industry and commerce.

Contact Information

University of Art and Design, School of Design
Hämeentie 135 C, 8th floor
00560 Helsinki
Tel: 75631 (call centre)
E-mail: firstname.lastname@taik.fi
Www: http://www.taik.fi/dr/

University of Lapland, Faculty of Art and Design
Yliopistonkatu 8, 96300 ROVANIEMI, Finland
(PBox 122, 96101 ROVANIEMI)
Tel + 358 016 341 341 (call center)
Email firstname.lastname@ulapland
Www: http://www.ulapland.fi/