200 projects, 92 participating universities, 43 nations represented. The 2017 edition of the Global Grad Show in numbers: the biggest exhibition dedicated to innovation, putting international design and technology schools into action. The show is curated by the renowned author and designer Brendan McGetrick and showcases an impressive array of prototypes within the fields of Empower, Sustain and Connect. The following are just some of the institutions represented: the Design Academy Eindhoven (The Netherlands), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), the Royal College of Art (UK), and the National University of Singapore.
Furthermore, work from emerging markets rarely seen on a global scale are on view, including projects from designers based in Serbia, Uganda, Peru, Malaysia and New Zealand.
McGetrick curated the projects based on his personal interpretation of design that emphasises four categories: innovation that transcends technology and exists independent of wealth; equality without hierarchy amongst universities, regions and designers; universal design opens to all types of projects; and impact on the world at large through solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems.
“By presenting across section of design programs from around the world, we try to demonstrate how the brightest young minds are designing the future – McGetrick explains – The variety of programs offers a unique view to the ways in which designers in different places, with different budgets, cultural contexts, and tools develop solutions to the problems and opportunities of our time.”
This year, Global Grad Show announces the inaugural Progress Prize, which will be awarded to one exhibiting project.
