Stephen Field

Biography

Stephen Field is an internationally experienced industrial designer with over 25 years of background in the design and development of products and systems. As an educator Stephen mixes his professional experience with his enthusiasm and passion for design. From day one of first year studio Stephen introduces students to the design process, a process that will be cultivated throughout their industrial design education. As the students advance through the program Stephen through his teaching, illustrates the importance of a holistic approach to design. As a past entrepreneur he describes how the importance of a sound business thinking combined with design can create innovative products and systems for the worlds diverse markets. Only with understanding the tools and skills of design can students develop the visual language needed to create. Stephen puts a great deal of emphasis on students developing the ability to sketch; he sees it as one of most valuable skills to allow for the formulation of a good design. Only through the ability to sketch can a designer then pool the many other tools of design to create and develop products and systems.

Research Interest

Employing his global background in design and development of energy efficient housing components and manufacturing processes, Stephen is currently researching how a collaborative holistic approach can be utilized for the purpose of developing sustainable housing systems for remote Canadian Inuit communities. Stephen is exploring how self-reliance for Inuit communities could be established through the development of traditional appropriate housing systems and products, which could be manufactured and maintained within Inuit communities. Most importantly Stephen’s research is identifying that innovative solutions to large issues like the northern housing crisis can be tackled through an interdisciplinary design process.