Art plus engineering equals beautiful useable science at Deakin

When artists and musicians talk about their great collaborations they probably don't normally list engineers as the source of their inspiration, but Deakin University will this week showcase the collision between the two worlds at the inaugural Design Technology Conference in Geelong.

And when UK-based industrial designer turned studio artist Lionel Theodore Dean finishes presenting at the conference he will exhibit his artwork, created using 3D printing technology, at Melbourne's 69 Smith Street Gallery.

A "product artist", Dr Dean, who studied at London's Royal College of Art before working as an automotive designer, is just one example of how the world of design and engineering are fusing to create real-world solutions in industries spanning art, music, medicine, sports technology and the law.

Conference host and Deakin's Head of School of Engineering Professor Guy Littlefair said the three-day event at Deakin's Waurn Ponds Geelong campus, kicking off today, would host leading international experts who were merging the fields of design, technology and engineering.

"The International Design Technology Conference is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere and will highlight exactly why engineers need to move into the world of designers, with real world outcomes in mind, when they devise solutions to problems," Professor Littlefair said.

"Deakin is leading the charge in Australia, thanks to our new Centre for Advanced Design Engineering Training, which is redefining how engineering is taught, preparing students for the jobs of the 21^st century through an end to theory-based, learning in place real-world problem-solving in partnership with industry from the beginnings of their degrees through to PhDs."

 Around 70 researchers and experts from across the globe in the fields of design, technology, engineering and education will showcase to industry partners the possibilities of integrating design and science, including:

• A 3D printed art exhibition from the Dr Dean's UK-based "Future Factories";
• A 3D printed electric guitar from Sweden's Professor Olaf Diegel;
• Smartphone-enabled police-grade breathalysers, designed by New York's "Alcohoot" start-up. The company's Director of Hardware, US-based Melbournian James Kennedy, will present the concept and has also played a lead role in projects including mass-produced custom wearable sports technologies, created through a smart-device application and 3D printing process; and
• An expert in design and engineering from Colombia, Carolina Alzate, who has redefined packaging and branding for the local market using global resources.

Professor Littlefair said industry experts, schools and small to medium business representatives would also attend the conference.

"Design must be a major consideration in the future of all technology solutions. No longer can engineers expect to focus on the science of an application, without considering the design outcomes," Professor Littlefair said.

"Consumers are increasingly demanding high-tech and personalised design solutions to products and unless researchers understand the look, feel and functionality of an application or product, the concept will remain words or maths on paper.

"Similarly, designers can no longer focus only on aesthetics, ergonomics or form, but must consider the purpose of their product and ensure it includes smart functionality and the necessary technology to meet these demands – whether that be within industry, or the community.

"We live in an era which has never been more competitive, with consumers demanding smarter products to suit their specific needs and 3D printing technology is one example that has the power to address mass-customised, smarter and more functional solutions.

"We are thrilled to have in one place international researchers, educators and practitioners in the field of design technology to come to Australia for what will be one the leading conferences on the interaction between design, technology, engineering and business."