2024 Member Survey Results

Society News

6 December 2024

Thanks to all members who completed our 2024 survey. We are delighted to share the results of the survey below.

Members also have a say in choosing the direction of the Society based on the survey responses. This will become a focus point for the Board of Trustees over the next fifteen months. Members should have received a link to the new survey via email. If you cannot find the link, please contact our Senior Administrator, Dr Jenna Allsopp-Douglas: designhistorysociety@gmail.com.

Responses

Over half of the respondents identified as academics, with the next highest being students at just over 20%.

The top three fields of interest were graphic design, museology/exhibitions and architectural design.

Books and journal articles were the highest engaged content.

Respondents said the following professional development, training or knowledge exchange opportunities are currently lacking in the field:

1. Meetings and workshops with other design historian academics and students to…

• Exchange experiences and content related to teaching design history (an opportunity to share on and exchange teaching content, methods, curricula);
• Network with other students;
• Discuss methodologies;
• Discuss career perspectives aimed at post-doctoral level.

2. Assistance with how to find and write proposals for/publishing advice…

• Books
• Fellowships and post-docs
• Grant and funding applications
• Job applications
• Academic articles

3. Opportunities to engage and learn with cognate fields

4. Design History academic networks in North America

5. Online symposia, series of podcasts, online workshops

Professional development activities respondents already engage in include:

• Workshops (writing)
• Lectures
• Conferences
• Online seminars

Observations

Members are interested in networking opportunities at both the student and professional levels.

Members are interested in writing/publishing/grant workshops at both the student and professional levels.

Members are interested in cognate fields/societies (networking opportunities and discounted memberships).