Designplus
During the early days of Designplus, we explored the various ways in which, as a network organisation, we could add value in the various fields we are involved with.  We knew that the combination of Design expertise, resources and the contacts of Brunel, Westminster and Kingston Universities create a substantial network of potential connections.   Guided by this specific design expertise, the contemporary context for design, and the opportunities between industry and academia, we have focused on a small number of interrelated themes.

The How Smart are We? event, as the strap line says,  is a result of a focus on the evolution of textiles, technology, and the consumer. In relation to the networking and innovation aims of Westfocus, our parent organisation, this has a particular resonance.

Context
Design is an incredibly broad subject, but within the lead Universities for this event - Brunel and Westminster - the focus on textiles and technology matches our strengths in Design.  Westminster has a considerable reputation within Fashion and Textiles and Brunel is renowned for the technological focus of its designers. 

In the broader context, there is substantial interest in the emerging climate of Smartness.  The subject has the attention of the DTI in relation to the UK economy through their support of the Smart.mat KTN and TechniTex networks.  The field of wearable computing has had a high media profile dating back to innovative work by the Wearable computers group at MIT since the 90’s.  Leading fashion industry commentators including Suzanne Lee, one of our keynote speakers, have mapped the growing importance of technology within fashion.  Applications of ‘smart’ textiles such as in Ian Thorps medal winning swim suit have captured the public’s imagination, leading to earnest deliberation of the practical possibility of  ‘invisibility cloaks’ along with countless other ‘smart applications’

Developments
We can see that technologists are active in these fields, encompassing terms such as smart materials and nanotechnology. An economic imperative is established.  The world of fashion is interested.  When can we see the results?

Well there are plenty of examples all around us.  There are plenty of issues to address.  The challenge is to be the place, organisation, network, technology, methodology, market opportunity that is leading the way and winning. 

We are already playing an active roll in this scenario through the constituent parts of our network.  Our networking activity will promote collaboration and further opportunities.