Notes on creative diversity

Using design thinking to help build inclusion, addressing barriers head-on as a direct part of the curriculum (rather than separate).

Neal, Andy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0544-5922 (2024) Notes on creative diversity. In: CHEAD / Innovations in Practice, 12 Nov 2024, Online.

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Abstract / Summary

Increased levels of anxiety, wellbeing and mental-health issues are now commonplace in HE, both pre- and (particularly) post-pandemic. Students also appear increasingly hesitant, less curious and more nervous when invited to explore open-ended design briefs – where the lack of a ‘right’ answer, or the challenges of diversity and inclusion can compound these problems further. The following two projects embraced EDI as mechanisms to turn underlying challenges into avenues for growth. The work builds on a historic interest in creative process, adapting the development of design ideas to create greater confidence and inclusion.

‘I, Procrastinator’ was a four-week collaborative project between L5 Graphic Design students and staff. Starting with a framework of reflective exercises and workshops, they co-designed a unique investigation that began with their own practice, extended to consider the work of others’ and ultimately resolved in the form of a co-authored and co-designed 480-page book.

‘Notes on…’ was a series of one-day workshops with L6 students directly exploring their own practice and the themes of Imposter Syndrome, Creative Rest and Comparison. Each session utilised design thinking techniques to develop responses to the given theme and provided a start-point for further discussion and study. These were then formalised as a series of double-page spreads, leading to the production of three 150-page books.

Beyond the success of the physical outcomes, students and staff noted significant shifts in behaviour, greater awareness of their own potential, and developed new practical tools to channel their unique working methods and learning styles in the future.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Lecture)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Mental health & wellbeing · Anxiety · HE (Higher Education) · Post-pandemic · EDI (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) · Creative confidence · Open-ended briefs · Collaborative design · Reflective practice · Imposter syndrome · Creative rest · Co-authorship · Design thinking · Student-staff collaboration · Behaviour change · Self-awareness
Subjects:	Education Health > Mental Health Communication > Visual & Graphic Design
Department:	School of Communication
Depositing User:	Andy Neal
Date Deposited:	26 Mar 2026 15:24
Last Modified:	26 Mar 2026 15:24
URI:	https://repository.falmouth.ac.uk/id/eprint/6411

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