Mari Silver

My research focuses on how design education evolves in the midst of rapid technological, societal and organisational transformations. I am particularly interested in how design educators, students and industry actors make sense of systemic change, and how these interpretations shape future design competencies, pedagogical practices and professional identities.

I explore questions related to:

• the changing role of designers in complex and interconnected systems

• emerging competence needs in the era of Industry 5.0 and Society 5.0

• resilience and capability development in times of transition

• sensemaking, pedagogical judgement and educator agency

• systemic change, futures thinking and Transition Design

• curriculum development and strategic renewal in higher education

More broadly, I am committed to advancing design education that responds to the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly complex world, and that supports both students and educators in navigating uncertainty and driving meaningful change.

I am always interested in collaborative projects, dialogue across disciplines and partnerships with higher education institutions or industry organisations that seek to rethink and reimagine the future of design education.