The document discusses a survey of Latin American designers on the concept of design research. Most respondents agreed that design is influenced by social, cultural, economic and political factors. They also agreed that design should help improve quality of life and that design education needs to combine areas like business, engineering and marketing to prepare designers for globalization. The conclusion calls for further analysis of design systems and policies in Latin American countries.

1. What some Latin-American designers think. Authors: Ferruzca, M. & Huerta, E. & Monguet, J.M. ICDHS 2008, Osaka (October) Rethinking Design Research:

2. Some ideas… Discussions about the relationship between research and design have also increased, but there is still no consensus - Doctoral programs in this field begin to emerge more frequently Design Driven Innovation - ¿Design policies in Latin America?

3. Aim The main objective of this research was to think about the meaning of the “design research” concept and several ideas around . This meant, first, to gain an understanding about it on the basis of different studies published by several recognized authors in this field. Then, identify and compare the viewpoint of several designers who participate in educational programs (Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Architecture and related careers) at three universities in Latin-America. Research Methodology A survey was prepared and applied through the Internet. 81 e-mails were sent to different teachers at three universities in Latin-America. 32 answered the survey . The survey consisted of nine questions. Six of them were multiple-choice questions. The participant could attach comments to each question. The other three were open question.

4. Results What are the drifts that design is facing? Most of the participants agree that the drifts that make the design concept is in a state of fluctuation are related to social, cultural, political and economic phenomena. Besides, they are framed in “temporary” specific determinants (historical factor). So, the implicit actors in the design system execute their practice influenced by the conditions of production, distribution and consumption that are prevalent in the context. Also, each country has its own scenarios. Nowadays, the concept and role of design foster the building of his theory and, moreover, it is projected as an indispensable discipline in the configuration of better conditions of human life in the future? Most of the them are agree - 69% (twenty-two). Some ideas of the participants suggest that since doctoral studies in design began, theoretical research and new speeches are running for the construction of the discipline. It seems that the horizons of design research are being expanded.

5. An educational program in design combined with the business, engineering and marketing areas is essential for professionals education capable of facing the conductive forces of innovation and globalization. 69% (twenty-two) of the participants considers that it should be like this. A 19% (six) disagrees. The rest are unsure or think something else. "… If we do not adapt to change and not lead any changes, we will die in the claws of other professions." In five years, what will be the profile of designers? Some of them indicate that designers should be more perceptive of the environment and capable of generating business. It will require a profile based on innovation competences which imply to participate in projects with a short duration but with more projection and a more accurate collaboration with other disciplines involving human processes and technological development

6. Conclusion The drifts that make the design concept is in a state of fluctuation are related to social, cultural, political and economic phenomena. Overall in some Latin-American countries where the design culture is not well-established. This situation impedes that design is considered essential in the configuration of better conditions of human life in the future. It seems that the current situation of design enhances their theoretical development. The debate between research and design, science and design, as well as the emergence of doctoral programs in design contributes to raise the design knowledge . Business, engineering or marketing areas should be combined with education in design to train designers capable of facing the challenges that globalization carries. However, in the practice, the design education program in their universities not necessarily addresses the same strategy . Some of the topics of design research have emerged in recent years are: cognition in design, sustainability, globalization and innovation .

7. Future work (The case of the mexican design system) After participating in the spanish project: elements for a design policy in Catalonia (Barcelona)--------> Outline the mexican design system (Metropolitan area) Diagnosis Design system description Diagnostic Identification of the weak and hard points Design Policy in Latin-America Future Aim Scenarios Actions Design policy Where we are? Where do we want to go? What should be done?

8. http://www.disseny-cat.net Future work (The case of the mexican design system)

9. Offer Demand Cultural Future work (The case of the mexican design system) design system

10. Future work (The case of the mexican design system) After participating in the spanish project: elements for a design policy in Catalonia (Barcelona)--------> Outline the mexican design system (Metropolitan area) Diagnosis Design system description Diagnostic Identification of the weak and hard points Design Policy in Latin-America Future Aim Scenarios Actions Design policy Where we are? Where do we want to go? What should be done?

11. Authors: Ferruzca, M. & Huerta, E. & Monguet, J.M. ICDHS 2008, Osaka (October) Thank you!!!