ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the mindset of new design academics who, have been required to find their place in diverse and changing work environments. The outcomes of the research are visualised in a Skills Map, which highlights common themes and informs discussion on important skills for new design academics to develop. The chapter presents a case for developing a generalist skillset and discusses adaptability and its related factors. The concepts of a person’s capacity, willingness and ability to affect their environment, as well as their contribution to adaptability relate to “mindset”. For a new design academic, having this mindset with an attitude and capacity to adapt to change might be more important than having a stubborn and unwavering idea of where they belong. The chapter outlines the research participants and procedure of semi-structured interviews, including the approach used to analyse the data. In interviews, participants cited how their design experience helped them develop creative and innovative teaching practices to research.
