AIGA and Falmouth University explore the future of design education in new podcast

Those are some of the questions explored in the latest episode of the American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA) Design Podcast, featuring Bryan Clark, Head of Graphic Design at Falmouth University.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Bryan explains how Falmouth’s online degrees are rethinking design education for a world where collaboration is increasingly global, while the process of making and creating remain deeply local.

One of the key ideas discussed is what he calls the "Global Studio"—a learning environment that connects students from around the world and mirrors the way many designers work today. Rather than seeing online education as a substitute for traditional learning, Falmouth sees it as a powerful advantage.  

The episode explores how online students at Falmouth collaborate across cultures and time zones, gaining experience that reflects real-world creative practice. Whether it's a student in New York helping solve a challenge for someone in Mumbai or working with peers from different professional and cultural backgrounds, these experiences help build the skills designers need in an increasingly connected industry.

At the same time, the conversation highlights the importance of physical making. Bryan discusses an innovative geo-tagged map project made on the MA Graphic Design (Online) course, which allows students to share local creative resources—from bookbinding studios and print shops to fabrication labs and 3D printing facilities. Together, students create a growing global map of places where design moves seamlessly from the screen to the real world.  

The discussion also dives into interdisciplinary experimentation, including a memorable student project that transformed typographic systems into musical compositions, demonstrating how design can spark unexpected creative connections.

No conversation about the future of design would be complete without discussing artificial intelligence. Bryan approaches the topic with a blend of curiosity and critical thinking, encouraging designers to engage with AI thoughtfully rather than viewing it solely through the lens of excitement or concern.

Drawing on experience from both professional design practice and higher education, the conversation offers insights into how designers can help tackle larger societal challenges—from health and food systems to policy and public life.

The episode is part of an ongoing partnership between AIGA and Falmouth University, bringing together voices from across the design community to explore the ideas shaping the profession today.

Find out more about MA Graphic Design (Online) at Falmouth