Design permeates much of the research and teaching conducted at UNSW, from molecular to industrial design, from architecture to aircraft, from suburbs to senses.

Within a university setting designers face a number of issues including funding, recognition, and time. In a broader context they must also adapt to new technologies, deal with a competitive market and succeed at self-promotion, as well as innovation.

In the final issue of Uniken for 2008 Rina Bernabei and Bruce Watson, from the Faculty of the Built Environment, discuss the challenges and benefits of combining the practice of design with academic life; Trent Jansen from the College of Fine Arts explains his passion for using an emotional connection between an object and its owner; and John Page from the Faculty of Engineering addresses how computer simulation is allowing engineers to design aeroplanes that take into account new technologies which haven't been invented yet.

Contact: Victoria Brown, Editor | 9385 3263 | v.brown@unsw.edu.au