Pedagogy 2025
Abstract
Industrial Design and Architecture are adaptive professions, responding to constant changing needs and evolving contexts. These rapid changes, especially technological, lead to permutations of generalists/polymathic designers, who bridge the growing complexity in problem solving. Problem-project focus is critical when considering academic impact and real-world outcome, which allows for a more responsive curriculum. It is also important for the identification and development of emergent polymathic designers. However, with little understanding of this role and why, and when designers might become or adopt it, opportunities for incremental impact through these individual designers could be amiss. Through a critical, semi-systematic scoping review of existing literature, investigating the concepts of polymathic practice in Industrial Design and Architecture, this paper aims to define this form of designer as well as investigate existing pedagogical challenges for developing the skillset. We present the polymath interpolator designer (PID), who is problem-project focused and aims to develop not optimised, ‘so-called’ permanent solutions, but rather incremental satisficing solutions that tread more carefully in complexity. Project-problem focused pedagogy helps foster this type of Industrial Designer and Architect, particularly when the teaching project spans disciplines and is not simply a repeated exercise in typical practice as is often found. Project based teaching in Industrial Design and Architecture pedagogy is not new and remains critical, however, the structure of projects can allow for the development of both specialists as well as the emergent polymath-interpolator designer (PID). Achieving this balance in identification and support is important to have effective impact in increasingly complex environments.
Kyle Brand – A curious individual who enjoys diversity within his work and is passionate about expanding his knowledge and skill set. An experienced designer, lecturer and researcher. Has thirteen years of experience in teaching and mentoring students in different design courses, developing and demonstrating the application of skills like critical thinking, human-centred design, social innovation, prototyping, creativity, systems thinking etc. Currently completing a doctorate in Architecture (University of Pretoria) and Industrial Design Engineering Technology (Ghent University).
Dr. Jako Nice is a Senior Lecturer and Post graduate programme co-ordinator at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Architecture and Industrial Design Department, Research Associate at the University of Pretoria (UP) and principal architect at Studio Konstruk and. He has over 22 years’ experience in the field of architecture locally and global, which includes practise and academia. Dr Nice specialises in Healthy Buildings, spatial analytics, Healthcare Infrastructure, Architecture and Engineering Approaches to Infection Control for surface and airborne contagion in the built environment, and the microbiology of the built environment (MoBE). He held a Fogarty Research Fellowship with Harvard University and the University of Pretoria. He serves on various South African and International committees in health and in the built environment sectors. He is an author of numerous norms and standards guidelines for healthcare infrastructure, peer reviewed publications, invited conference speaker, academic chair and National Advisor; and he serves as masters and doctorate supervisor. He is passionate about teaching and developing emerging pedagogical approaches to research, human health and wellbeing.
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday 19th November, 2025