Course summary

The Relational Design Masters is an exciting new approach to the development of wellness-related products and services for a region. Framed by the opportunity presented by the three trillion euro wellness industry, its focus areas are adventure, tourism, and education. Based on creative ways to connect the “what is?” with the “what if?”, you will learn how to combine a region’s social, technological and ecological assets in ways that create new livelihoods, viable services, and sustainable enterprises. The Masters is not theoretical. It is designed to help you make a positive step-change in a live project. Your research efforts will be therefore be delivered in the form of a Business Proposal, an Exhibition, and a public Presentation to stakeholders and peers. Our faculty and in-house experts will help you develop and tell your story effectively. Throughout the course, you will have access to our senior advisor, John Thackara – during his visits for live crits, and 1:1 on skype at other times. The course is people and place-centred, technology-enabled, and design-led. It equips you with practical skills in design, prototyping new products and services, and business model innovation. The Masters is based in one of Europe’s most resilient regions. North Wales enjoys unspoiled land, clean air and biodiversity; abundant water; sea; low population density – and ancient but still thriving cultural roots. The North Wales region boasts a dynamic innovation ecosystem of local firms, makers, hackers, and the North Wales Tech Community. The course is based in Bangor University’s Pontio Centre. This thriving arts and innovation centre serves as an interface between education, research, and local social and business communities. You will have access to a range of world-class academic experts, including for example environmental science, sport science and psychology, as well as computer science and electronic engineering specialists. Internationally, the Masters is connected in live projects with cities and anchor institutions active in Transition and Territorial Design, Health, Wellness, and Tourism. We are also involved in networks that are developing new business and governance models such as Cooperation Platforms. Examination
 will be by Viva Voce; this takes place before the public presentation and exhibition of your work. The Viva will be before an internal examiner, external examiner, and chair. The course continues, intentionally, until August to give you time for reflection. and to prepare the next stage of your innovation research journey. The Relational Design Masters is residential, and runs full time from September to August. The course language is English.