The Alliance School of Design at Alliance University organised a Design Thinking Workshop for first-year Bachelor of Design students, led by Mr. Daniel Sutherland, Associate Dean, Gray’s School of Art, Robert Gordon University, Scotland. The session aimed to provide students with an opportunity to understand and apply design thinking as a creative and problem-solving process in real-world contexts.

Workshop Overview

The workshop offered a hands-on learning experience, introducing students to the principles of design thinking — empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Mr. Sutherland encouraged students to think critically and approach design challenges with curiosity and openness. Through interactive discussions and group exercises, participants explored how design thinking can shape innovative and user-centred solutions in various fields of design.

Reflection and Collaboration

Reflecting on his experience at Alliance University, Mr. Sutherland shared his appreciation for the students’ energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm to learn. He commended their engagement during the workshop and their willingness to explore new perspectives in design education.

He also expressed his excitement about the growing collaboration between Robert Gordon University and Alliance University, which will include student immersion programmes, shared research initiatives, new course development, and transnational education (TNE) collaborations. These initiatives are expected to strengthen academic exchange and offer students a broader international learning experience.

Conclusion

The session created a platform for creativity, collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange, reflecting the shared commitment of both universities to advancing design education. The workshop served as a meaningful step towards building global connections and preparing students to engage thoughtfully with design in an evolving world.