The Great PDT Debate was an activity completed in pairs, where we were given the opportunity to choose a classmate to work with and select a motion to debate from a list of design‑related topics. The motion my teammate and I chose was “Analogue is best: The use of technology limits creativity in the design process.” We were given several weeks to research the topic, develop our arguments, and practise our speaking points in preparation for the debate.

During one lecture in the Contemporary Design Culture module, we were introduced to post‑1960s Irish design culture. This period was particularly significant for Irish designers, as funding for design initiatives became more widely available and Ireland began to gain recognition on an international stage for the design work produced here. This cultural shift helped propel Irish design onto a global platform and encouraged greater participation within the industry.

As part of our Contemporary Design Culture module, we had the opportunity to attend a guest lecture by Caoimhe Kelly, who shared valuable insight into her professional practice and career journey. She spoke about beginning her career in industrial design before transitioning into footwear design and later working in brand strategy. Caoimhe also discussed her experience working with well‑known companies such as Timberland and Marks & Spencer. I found this particularly interesting, as it highlighted the wide range of opportunities within the design industry and demonstrated how a design career can evolve across multiple disciplines.