What Design Can Learn From Collaborating with Indigenous Partners
Authors: Simone O’Callaghan, University of Newcastle, Australia
Carl Morgan, University of Newcastle, Australia
Abstract: This paper examines learnings gained from working with Indigenous partners on creative design projects through Studio Zed, a creative agency at the University of Newcastle which provides students with creative studio placements over the summer and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities throughout the year. Studio Zed has collaborated with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities to deliver design projects. Both the studio directors, and students have found these projects enriching, learning much from being shown alternative world views and perspectives that can then be fed back into design processes. This paper introduces the reader to the Indigenous Design Charter, then discusses learnings from a case study project called Where’s Our Water, which was a collaboration with Awabakal and Worimi communities, University of Newcastle, School of Education, Hunter Water and Newcastle High School to produce an illustrated children’s book focusing on water conservation.