Make Change: Design Thinking in Action

RESEARCH BACKGROUNG: Watson curated the exhibition 'Make Change: Design Thinking in Action,' which was a core exhibition at the inaugural Queensland Government event 'Unlimited: Designing for the Asia Pacific Triennale.' 'Make Change' presented resonant stories via case studies within the Asia Pacific where design in action was effectively making a difference to the quality of people's lives. Displayed within an immersive installation designed by highly-regarded local designers March Studio, the exhibition aspired to uplift, engage and inspire action. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: 'Make Change' demonstrated how design thinking can enable positive and tangible solutions to complex issues across the Asia Pacific. It addressed the fundamentals of food, water, energy, shelter, health and education, exploring design as a valuable and useful response to urgent needs, rather than a product focused, aesthetics-driven industry. It featured six curated zones, each of which engaged with the overall theme of Opportunity: Solutions, Immersion, Insight, Ideas, Installation and Associations. As part of Watson's ongoing investigation into curatorial practice in architecture and design, the project sought to redefine what a design festival can and should be. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: The exhibition was the showcase event at the prominent Triennial which brought together more than 10,000 people with 67 events staged in 17 venues across Brisbane. An ongoing initiative of the Queensland Government's Design Strategy 2020, it marked a key moment for governments, industry, design professionals and the general public to reflect on the role of design within culture and society and its ability to make change within the Asia Pacific region. The event received extensive review in Artichoke Magazine (issue 34, March 2011); InDesignLive (October 2010); and the ERA-eligible journal Artlink (vol. 30 no. 4, 2010).