Art and design alumni

Industrial Designer, Healthcare Human Factors, Toronto, Canada
Master of Philosophy
Bachelor of Art and Design (Honours)
Bachelor of Design in Product Design

The work of the Design for Health and Wellbeing Lab is crucial, says product design alumnus Josh Munn who worked closely with the lab for his research project.

“The Design for Health and Wellbeing Lab is a collaboration between AUT and the Auckland District Health Board, and it’s exciting to be part of a group that is passionate about helping people understand the value of design.”

He enjoyed being part of a great team of talented designers from different disciplines, Josh says.

“This multi-disciplinary approach not only offers a broader spectrum of knowledge and expertise for each project, it also gives me the opportunity to learn from other designers and their unique approach to design.”

The power of 3D printing
For his master’s degree research, Josh explored the opportunities 3D printing offers to design better hospital experiences for patients, their families and hospital staff.

“My research project focused on how 3D printing can help facilitate co-design in a clinical context. I worked alongside healthcare professionals to identify and develop prospective design opportunities in a number of areas. I chose this project because I have a genuine interest in 3D printing, and strongly believe in the power of involving end users in the design process.”

Fully understanding the purpose and depth of research was his biggest challenge, admits Josh.

“This project went far beyond just making something – it was much more about your process, about how decisions are made and why. It took a long time for me to understand this but my supervisor offered great support whenever I needed it. It was fulfilling to see the way in which I practise and understand design evolve and mature.”

A rewarding learning experience
He says he would highly recommend the design programmes at AUT.

“I initially enrolled in a Bachelor of Design in Product Design as I had always been interested in making things. Product design was a nice mix of the things I liked to do, including drawing, model making, photography and problem solving. I enjoyed it so much I enrolled in the honours degree, and then my master’s degree.

“The experiences and the resources available at AUT make for an incredibly exciting and rewarding learning experience for art and design students. You have to be willing to work hard and develop your design skills, but it’s well worth it.”

After completing his master’s degree at the end of last year, Josh recently moved to Canada to work at Toronto’s Healthcare Human Factors, which is similar to the Design for Health and Wellbeing Lab.