RSA trends report was assessed by many

In response to Julian Mills’ letter (DW 20 December 1996), copies of the report on recent trends in design education as identified by the Jury Chairman of the RSA Student Design Awards were sent to a number of design, education and examining bodies, including the RSA Examinations Board – which is now a separate organisation to the RSA.

While drawing, presentation and research skills are vital, common skills such as communications and business awareness are also important in the world of work. Ideally, the two areas need not be mutually exclusive.

As a premier competition open to student designers on diploma, graduate and postgraduate courses throughout the UK, the RSA Student Design Awards scheme provides an annual snapshot of change and development in design education. While standards in the middle ground of students are deteriorating – due to factors such as increased student numbers, less contact time with course tutors and budget constraints – the very best students remain as strong as ever.

Susan Hewer

Project manager

RSA Student Design Awards

London WC2