Academics from SHU teamed up with colleagues from the China Central Academy of Fine Art (CAFA) to produce new book 'Designing Impact! Approaches to Applied Research', which was launched in June.

The book showcases innovative approaches to design research through a series of practice-based case studies ADRC projects range from a behind-the-scenes study of the Cutting Edge public art outside Sheffield's train station to examples of the ADRC's pioneering health care research. CAFA case studies feature design work for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, including CAFA design team's winning designs for the medals used in the Beijing Games.

A key book for students across a range of design disciplines, Designing Impact! explores the design process in different contexts.

'Designing Impact! accesses a very important idea that the synergy between design practice and design research is a formative process', said Professor Catherine McDermott, from Kingston University's School of Design. 'Its key message is that practice-led design research is a constantly evolving area of design process offering new positions for design in new contexts.'

According to Head of the ADRC, Prof Paul Chamberlain, 'The collaboration with CAFA is a wonderful opportunity to help both institutions understand the cultural, economic and social impact that our work can have. Our collaboration to date is developing new insights and highlights our cultural approach to research and its environmental context.' McDermott agrees. 'The book offers a valuable understanding into Chinese design priorities.'

'Designing Impact! Approaches to Applied Research' is edited by Professor Paul Atkinson and is available from the ADRC at an introductory price of £23.00. Contact k.a.christer@shu.ac.uk for more details or download the order form (PDF, 75.6KB).