8 relevant in educational content and skills. The curriculum now includes the fields of gaming, extended reality, and omni-channel content design to respond to emerging technologies such as AI and smart technologies as well as to systemic frameworks such as the UN SDGs. These skills are expected to become fundamental aspects of design curricula in the next decade and are especially critical for deploying emerging technologies sustainably. Interior Design’s commitment to collaborative learning strategies and partnerships, was demonstrated in a collaboration between Interior Design, Fashion Design and Fordsburg Primary School to redesign the library, fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity. A second initiative between Interior Design and local industry contributes to the fulfilment of SDG targets related to sustainable cities and communities by developing solutions to revitalise public and retail spaces in the Braamfontein community. The graduate fashion show organised in partnership with UJ Arts and Culture took place at the Bunting Theatre. It was accompanied by a documentary film, funded by UJ’s Teaching Innovation Fund as a teaching and learning project. Drawing from the theory of authentic learning to create a contemporary fashion video, the project challenged students to apply digital fashion communication tools in representing the final fashion design collections of the third-year students. Each year, over 300 second-year students from FADA participate in the FADA Interdisciplinary Theatre Programme, providing opportunities for cross-disciplinary development, creative and critical thinking. In 2024, worked on a production of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde adapted by Neil Bartlett. Supported by visiting guest lecturer Prof Vanessa Byrnes, Head of the School of Creative Industries at Unitec in Auckland, this immersive experience allows students to contribute to a theatrical production while gaining valuable insights and skills extending beyond their disciplines. In 2024, the Graphic Design department successfully completed its programme review for the period 2020 to 2023. With current awareness of the dangers of students relying on ChatGPT and other generative AI tools, the Design Studies (theory) team has developed an innovative ‘applied theory methodology’ in their teaching, as well as alternative assessment methods to mitigate this impact, with excellent results. The aim is to teach students how they can use generative AI to assist in the critical thinking and planning of their work, while making them aware of the limits and dangers of AI in research. Industry-linked Teaching and Learning The Department of Industrial Design continued its industrylinked projects, providing students with valuable experience and recognition in the competitive design field. Among these initiatives was AXOR, a prestigious international tap brand that hosts a competition for first-year students. Honours students participated in the international competitions Cumulus Green 2024 – Design Healthy Futures and Design Climate Change – BE Open. Second-year students engaged in the ARMSA industrylinked competition, run in collaboration with TUT and Open Window. These and other design-for-manufacture initiatives not only strengthen industry connections but also generate thirdstream income, creating further opportunities for students. The Department of Multimedia promoted real world experience, sustainable development goals and fostered transformation
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