DESIGNING WITH MAPLE AS A MOTIF: A CASE STUDY OF TEACHING GRAPHIC DESIGN THROUGH INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

摘要

This paper will discuss an industry partnership project used with design students at a Japanese university. The purpose of this project is to teach the students design concepts in real world applications giving them industry experience with real outcomes for the companies. And, it is to raise the ability that the student designs effectively in the design education of the university. The two examples outlined in this paper are products aimed at the tourist market; cake box wrapping paper and taxi signage vinyl wrapping. In this way, the students design brief must produce a design that is worthy of this international market while conveying the local history and cultural background of Hiroshima. Students get real world experience in working with clients to produce products that are delivered to their markets. Students are able to see where theory intersects with practice and get a real sense of accomplishment in their studies which in turn promote motivation and satisfaction. This was evidenced through the surveys conducted with graduates of the program who are now working in graphic design fields.