Quality over quantity for a better education

I am giving my support to a letter published in DW 30 May. The British design industry is committing suicide in its actions and attitudes towards design education.

The current emphasis is for colleges is to put bums on seats. Yet around 80 per cent of students will not be successful in gaining employment in design. The governing bodies should advise colleges to restrict intake and build reputations for design and educational excellence, rather than relying on past achievements.

Bodies such as the CSD and the Design Council should be available for help and the funding of training programmes and seminars so that the whole design industry forge closer links both in education and employment.

Smaller numbers and more committed entrants will create a more thriving industry. The design industry and its educational establishments must regroup and fight for their futures.

Ian Hall

Ian Hall Design

Yorkshire