May 30, 2024

Nurturing Resilience and Well-being: Empowering Students with Compassionate Design Education

Brandon Laird RGD, Seneca Polytechnic

About this video

Description

In the evolving realm of design education, there's a growing need to nurture both technical skills and emotional resilience. This talk advocates for an integrated educational approach merging the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, Non-Violent Communication (NVC), Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), and the Ikigai concept. By incorporating these frameworks, students develop self-awareness, empathy, and purpose, vital for inclusive and compassionate design solutions. Emphasizing empathetic communication, conflict resolution, and self-kindness, this approach fosters resilience and prepares students for professional excellence and personal growth. Moreover, it encourages empathy-driven design practices, fostering inclusive and socially impactful solutions. As design educators, we hold the responsibility to create nurturing environments that cultivate both skills and well-being, shaping a future where design not only solves problems but also uplifts and connects communities.

Brandon Laird RGD

Seneca Polytechnic

Brandon Laird, MDes, RGD, continues to create and advocate for design education and practice, bringing 28 years of experience to his roles as a design professor and creative professional. He currently teaches at Seneca Polytechnic and Sheridan College and manages projects for Calian Advanced Technologies, focusing on professional military education. With a Master of Design in Inclusive Design from OCAD University and further credentials from Sheridan and St. Lawrence College, Brandon’s educational ethos emphasizes a learner-centred approach. He prepares students for the creative industry by teaching advanced design courses using a blend of traditional and digital methodologies. His expertise spans from user experience design to interactive digital media, employing emerging tools to create engaging, collaborative learning environments. Beyond teaching, Brandon is a champion of inclusive design, advocating for accessibility and diversity within groups and communities he works with. His work reflects a deep belief in design's power as a transformative force, encouraging students to explore new possibilities and their potential to effect change. Recipient of the Fulbright Canada Emerging Faculty Fellowship Award, Brandon is recognized for his contributions to design education and his commitment to fostering a community of inquiry and creativity. His approach to teaching, marked by a blend of rigorous academic training and real-world applications, prepares students to meet the challenges of the evolving design landscape confidently.