Editorial

摘要

In many parts of the world design is increasing in importance as a taught subject. Design projects and taught course elements are mandatory in engineering programmes throughout the world. Interest in product design and in product innovation is burgeoning, spurred on by competition in a globalised society and by the challenges of sustainability and the needs of society. This special issue was inspired by this importance and especially by the growing emphasis in recent years on research in design education: both research into education as an activity, and incorporation of the results of design research into the education process.