2021: Looking Ahead

As we turn the page to 2021, we are really excited about the projects and initiatives we have launching this year across our various programs. We are especially excited about our Research and Special Projects Programs that are expanding with some super high-calibre projects and research collaborations with BMW Group and Idealworks. So for the start of 2021, let me talk to you about four key initiatives we are focused on for this coming year.

Research Program

We have been preparing for the proper launch of our Research Program with our first set of higher-degree students beginning PhD and MPhil research projects through the Academy. The projects will focus on understanding industrial design skills and knowledge in corporate contexts, specialised human-robot interface (HRI) research as well as cutting-edge exploration on the future of human-machine interface (HMI) design. We will hopefully expand on both of these research directions while also establishing further research projects this year. I couldn’t be happier with the direction of our Research Program as we begin to establish a long-term agenda that will foster further research with BMW Group and beyond.

Publications

We have two exciting publications being launched by the BMW Group + QUT Design Academy team. The first will be our first Annual Progress Report for 2020 which will be a comprehensive review of our activities, achievements and outcomes of the work conducted through the Academy. The second will be a Photobook; a selection of our favourite and most impactful images, digital renders and photos from our collaboration with BMW Group over the years including special projects, travel images, automotive photography and many more! Beyond this we will also be publishing short papers, academic publications and research reports emerging from our research students. 

External Engagement

We will be launching our external engagements initiative throughout this year. This will focus on showcasing the amazing projects we work on with BMW Group to other research labs, academics, designers, school groups and university students to help forge research collaborations and inspire the future generation of designers.

Internships

We are continuing to develop and advance our Internship Program through the Academy. This year we will be offering intensive internship opportunities through the Academy to current QUT School of Design students to work on real-world projects for BMW Group. This is an opportunity for students to develop, apply and hone their design skills on real BMW projects to help secure an internship at BMW Group and accelerate their transition to industry.

There are already other incredibly exciting initiatives underway for this year - but we can’t discuss them in detail just yet - the surprise will be worth it! Nevertheless, as you can see, there is plenty of work for the team to achieve and we hope you will enjoy the journey with us!

Take care,

Rafael Gomez
Founder and Head of BMW Group + QUT Design Academy