Dunne & Raby to leave Royal College of Art

Professor Anthony Dunne and Fiona Raby are to leave the Royal College of Art – where they set up the Design Interactions programme – to focus on their own practice. The RCA is setting up an international search for replacements.

Professor Anthony Dunne. Image courtesy of Royal College of Art
Professor Anthony Dunne. Image courtesy of Royal College of Art

Professor Anthony Dunne and Fiona Raby are to leave the Royal College of Art – where they set up the Design Interactions programme – to focus on their own practice.

Dunne has been on the RCA research and teaching staff since 1994, when he completed a PhD in computer related design at the institution.

In 2005 he was made Professor and Head of Interaction Design and in 2006 the programme was renamed Design Interactions. Raby, who holds an MPhil in Computer Related Design from the RCA, is a Reader in Design Interactions.

The pair say they are leaving the RCA to focus on their own studio – Dunne & Raby – which was established in 1994. They will leave at the end of the academic year, in July, and the RCA says it is launching an international search to find a new Head of Programme for the Design Interactions course.

RCA rector Dr Paul Thompson says: “For me, one of the most exciting prospects of joining the RCA in 2009 was the opportunity to work in the same institution as Tony Dunne and Fiona Raby. From Hertzian Tales in 2006 through to Speculative Everything in 2014, Tony has explored entirely new territories and perceptions of design.”

RCA pro-rector (academic) Professor Naren Barfield says: “Under Tony’s leadership, Design Interactions has become one of the foremost programmes of its kind, with its researchers and graduates influencing debate and design policy globally.

“Dunne’s own formulation of critical design has contributed greatly to the enrichment of cultural life and public discourse through exhibitions exploring the social, cultural and ethical implications of emerging technology and science.”

Dunne says: “I feel very fortunate to have worked with so many amazingly talented students, teachers and colleagues across the RCA and within the programme during my time here, both as a student and as a member of faculty. I am very proud of what our team and students have achieved over the last decade and I look forward to continuing the many conversations that began here in new ways.”

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