
Dr Don Parker
PhD, PG Cert HELM, PGCE
Expertise
Central to my teaching approach is the ambition to empower students with the tools and insights they need in a dynamic design landscape. I work with creative thinking and innovative practices.
Current positions
Associate Professor in Design Thinking and Innovation
Centre for Innovation
Contact
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Biography
I am interested in the transformative power of design and art, understanding their capability to reshape perspectives and drive meaningful change. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am also a practicing artist, specialising in painting, design, filmmaking, and delving deep into complex social media, marketing, and advertising tracking. Each medium offers a unique lens through which I explore the interplay of form, function, and narrative, furthering my understanding of visual communication and its broader impact in the digital age.
At the University of Bristol, my teaching philosophy is underscored by a commitment to integrating theoretical learning with practical application. This ensures students are well-equipped to navigate the creative economy, benefiting from a curriculum that champions creative thinking, innovative practices, and hands-on experiences. I continue to establish connections between academia and the creative industries, which have provided students with invaluable insights and exposure.
Beyond structured educational settings, my involvement in various committees and collaborative ventures, including those with international business partners, reflects my dedication to elevating the academic experience. Mentorship forms a cornerstone of my approach, and I've been deeply involved in initiatives that guide the next generation of artists and designers. Through these endeavours, I continually work to create an ecosystem where innovative ideas thrive and the future of art and design is dynamically reimagined.
Research interests
My research focus is deeply rooted in pioneering innovation within design education, emphasising the pivotal role of real-world applications. I'm committed to crafting enriching academic experiences that blend diverse disciplines, ensuring students are equipped for the complexities of contemporary design practices. An integral part of my contribution lies in mentorship, as I'm invested in cultivating the next generation of designers, particularly those hailing from diverse backgrounds. Through initiatives exploring systems and design thinking, I've endeavored to merge academia with industry realities, thereby enriching students' hands-on experiences. Internationally collaborative projects and my association with global educational entities further refine my research endeavours. Given my interests and expertise, I am keen to support PhD candidates exploring the interplay between practical design applications and pedagogical strategies, multidisciplinary design approaches, or the nexus of innovative real-world applications, Practice as Research (PaR) and design.
Publications
Recent publications
10/06/2021Virtually the Same: Understanding Consumer Experience in an Omnichannel Environment
The Value of Design in Retail and Branding
Connecting the Dots: Practice as Research (PaR) as an Innovative Creative Industries Pedagogy
Applied Degree Education and the Future of Work
A study of transdisciplinary research practices as a praxis point of interface in relation to institutional borders and the porous University
THEi AECT 2019 International Conference
The Art of War in Manufacturing Consumer Consent: Strategy, Business Culture and Ethics in Marketing Management
Chinese Management Studies
Teaching
By fostering an environment of open communication and constructive feedback, I aim to strike a balance between academic depth and mentorship. This dual approach helps students not only grasp the core theoretical facets of design but also apply them in inventive ways in tangible settings.
I have developed significant connections to the creative industries, bridging academia and the professional world. Collaborations with international business partners and prestigious universities introduce a breadth of perspectives to the learning experience, ensuring our students are aptly positioned to leave a lasting impact on the global design sphere.