Professor Julian Malins
Acting Executive Dean
PhD
I am Professor of Design Thinking and Innovation and the Director of Research for the School of Textiles and Design. I teach Design Technology and Innovation to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate students, and supervise Postgraduate research students.
Areas of interest
- Design for Net Zero, Sustainable Fashion
Qualifications
- PhD: The Monitoring and Control of Specialist Ceramic Kiln Atmospheres and Emissions
- MA: Ceramics
- BA: Science, Technology and Design
- DipAD: Ceramics
- HND: Studio Ceramics
Background
I have held similar posts to my current position at Norwich University of the Arts and the Robert Gordon University (RGU) , in Aberdeen. I originally trained as a ceramicist. After completing my PhD I began my research career at RGU as a Research Fellow in Design. I was awarded a Professorship in Design at RGU in 2007.
My research has included numerous projects related to computer enhanced learning, design-led innovation for business and systems to support creative entrepreneurs. I led the Centre for Design and Innovation in Aberdeen, between 2008 and 2011. The centre was an ERDF and Scottish Government funded initiative that aimed to support innovation in SMEs in the North East of Scotland. Completed projects have included Second Skin, Wearable Computing for Health and Well-being and the Value of Design for Built Heritage.
Other initiatives include a European Commission funded project, entitled ConCEPT, which developed a web-based platform, designed to support the early stages of the product design process. I have published widely on a range of topics that include: The Value of Design Thinking for SMEs, Computer Supported Design and Collaborative Practice, and Research Methods for Art and Design.