Thursday 23 January 2025

WMG Industrial Professor Sebastian Conran delivers inaugural lecture

On 14 January 2025, WMG at The University of Warwick hosted the inaugural lecture of award-winning designer and WMG Industrial Professor, Sebastian Conran.

The lecture was held in the Design Showroom in the National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC), with an audience of design and engineering partners, staff and students.

The evening was opened by Professor Robin ClarkLink opens in a new window, Dean of WMG, who spoke about the future of the manufacturing industry and the need for designers and engineers to work together seamlessly to meet society’s challenges. Professor Clark highlighted Sebastian Conran’s work in the design engineering space, and his role in the development of WMG’s new Master’s in Engineering Design ManagementLink opens in a new window.

Sebastian’s lecture, titled ‘Engineering Emotional Experiences’ - Lessons in Collaborative Implementation of Innovation, took the audience on a journey from his early years growing up and wanting to be an inventor, to his teenage years stacking shelves at Habitat, his time at art school studying industrial design engineering, and his career where he’s seen thousands of products through from concept to consumer.

Sebastian shared his approach to design, focusing on how people will experience the things he creates, and how those impressions will continue beyond first sight and touch. He said: “Good engineering is a logical, problem-solving exercise, often prioritising functionality over aesthetics and emotional engagement. However, great engineering is a creative activity requiring empathy for both the user and the environment.”

Sebastian’s talk was followed by a panel discussion with questions from the audience, hosted by Dr David BottLink opens in a new window, WMG Principal Fellow. The panel included Sebastian; Nick GolsbyLink opens in a new window, Course Director for the MSc in Engineering Design Management; Deborah Dawton, Chief Executive of the Design Business Association; and Sophie Thomas, a campaigner and leader in sustainable and circular design.

Professor Robin ClarkLink opens in a new window, Dean of WMG, said: “Sebastian Conran’s inaugural lecture highlighted the vital role of collaboration between design and engineering. The event not only celebrated Sebastian’s inspiring work and career, but it also marked an important step forward for WMG’s contributions to the manufacturing industry of the future through our new Master’s programme.”

Find out more about WMG’s first design engineering Master’s degree here: MSc Engineering Design Management | University of WarwickLink opens in a new window