How Museums Can Inspire the Next Generation of Designers

In an era of declining creative education and a growing disconnect between young people and their local design heritage, museums are emerging as vital spaces for inspiration, collaboration, and skill development. Through initiatives like the V&A’s DesignLab Nation programme, museums can bridge the gap between historical design legacies and contemporary creative practice, empowering the next generation of designers, makers, and innovators.

The Creative Disconnect: A Crisis in Design Education

In a country where place names, landmarks, and even football team nicknames are deeply rooted in the craft and industry of their regions, it’s striking to realise how far removed many young people feel from these legacies. Across the UK, once-thriving industries such as ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent, glassmaking in Sunderland, and bicycle manufacturing in Coventry have left indelible marks on local identities. Yet, for many students today, these stories feel distant and disconnected from their lives.

At the Creative Museums Summit 2024, Melissa Whittaker, Producer of the V&A’s DesignLab Nation programme, highlighted an emerging crisis in creative education. With a significant decline in the number of students studying Design & Technology in the UK and a critical shortage of qualified teachers in the subject, there is a pressing need to re-establish creativity as a core educational focus. Melissa explored how museums can play a central role in addressing this challenge by fostering collaborative networks and creating opportunities for meaningful creative engagement.

DesignLab Nation: Inspiring the Next Generation of Designers

At its heart, the V&A’s DesignLab Nation programme aims to inspire the next generation of designers, makers, and innovators. Through strategic partnerships with regional museums, local designers, and schools, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between historical design heritage and contemporary creative practice.

Each project takes students on a design journey, mirroring the processes followed by professional designers. From exploring local museum collections to visiting the V&A’s extensive national archive, students are guided through a series of creative workshops and challenges. This immersive approach not only builds their design skills but also fosters cultural capital, critical thinking, and confidence.

The results speak for themselves. In the 2022-2023 academic year, 91.6% of participating students reported increased confidence in their art and design skills, while 75.3% expressed a greater interest in pursuing creative subjects. These outcomes underscore the profound impact of collaborative museum-led initiatives in shaping young people’s creative futures.

The Power of Collaboration in Creative Education

One of the programme’s key strengths lies in its collaborative approach. Regional museums, local designers, and educators each bring unique perspectives and expertise to the table. As Melissa explains, this networked approach creates a richer, more holistic learning experience for students.

For example, The Box in Plymouth, a DesignLab Nation partner, has seen transformative results from its involvement in the programme. Students not only engaged deeply with local design heritage but also gained exposure to national collections and contemporary creative practices. This interconnected experience opened their eyes to career pathways they may never have considered.

Collaboration also extends beyond students. Teachers benefit from professional development opportunities and gain insights into how museum collections can support curriculum objectives. Meanwhile, local designers are empowered to share their expertise, acting as mentors and role models for the next generation.

Place-Making: Connecting Students to Their Local Heritage

Place is central to the DesignLab Nation ethos. By grounding creative projects in local history, culture, and industry, students are encouraged to see themselves as part of a larger narrative. Whether working with glass in Sunderland or exploring bicycle manufacturing heritage in Coventry, students are given a sense of pride and connection to their local surroundings.

This place-based approach not only strengthens students’ understanding of their community’s creative legacy but also reinforces the relevance of creative skills in solving real-world problems. It’s a strategy that museums across the UK can adopt to foster deeper engagement with their local communities.

Museums as Anchors of Creative Education

As Melissa emphasised in her presentation, museums are uniquely positioned to act as anchors for creative education. Their collections, expertise, and networks offer unparalleled opportunities to inspire young people, connect communities, and equip students with essential 21st-century skills.

In an era defined by rapid technological change and shifting economic landscapes, creativity is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. Museums have a vital role to play in ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to explore, experiment, and innovate.

For museum professionals, the success of initiatives like DesignLab Nation serves as both inspiration and a call to action. By embracing collaboration, focusing on place-making, and championing creative education, museums can help bridge the growing disconnect and empower the next generation of designers, makers, and thinkers.

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To learn more about the DesignLab Nation programme and explore the full impact report, visit the V&A website.

Melissa Whittaker is a Producer at the V&A, leading the DesignLab Nation programme. She spoke about DesignLab Nation at the MuseumNext – Creative Museums Summit in June 2024.