Dr David Swann PhD (RCA)
Professor in Design
Summary
David is Professor in Design, and Subject Leader for Product, Furniture and Interior. He is a double graduate of the Royal College of Art (MDes Industrial Design-1991 and PhD- 2011). His design research is grounded in global healthcare challenges. In 2014, David won the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design’s World Design Impact Prize. In the same year he was selected to participate in the UK’s inaugural GREAT Festival of Creativity, a showcase for British innovation. David's ABC syringe resides in the London Design Museum and Science Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts, Lausanne.
About
In 2016, the London Design Museum relocated to the Grade II listed former Commonwealth Institute building in Holland Park. David’s LifeHacket and ABC Syringe project were both included in its inaugural exhibition. Related to this re-launch, a short film was produced by Daniel de Viciola that celebrated the best of classic and contemporary design.
‘We have filmed all sorts of objects, from an E-type Jag, Paul Smith ties, an iconic space invaders machine etc…through to cutting edge contemporary design from the likes of Adidas, Hussein Chalayan, the Guardian and even graphic design. A very important object we had to display in action was the ABC syringe, showing how effective design can be used functionally for good.’
Teaching
Product Design and Furniture
BA Product Design
BA Product Design: Furniture
Research
David’s new research supports the scaling up of Warchild’s eLearning initiative to provide basic education through gamification to vulnerable children, former child soldiers, children in remote areas, displaced children and street children. In Sudan it is estimated that 1.8 million primary school-aged children have no access to primary education. The eLearning Sudan project is funded by DFID, UNICEF and UNHCR’s Humanitarian Education Accelerator.
The primary aim of this collaboration is to support the implementation of a six-month pilot in conjunction with Sudan’s Ministry of Education. The ongoing research involves Anthony Jones from Sheffield Hallam's Design Futures, and seeks to establish the performance requirements for an innovative tablet support device to address poor posture issues associated with prolonged floor sitting. The research is supported by the Art and Design Research Centre.
Unver, Ertu, Howard, Chris and Swann, David (2013) Design & Development of Scalp Cooling Cap. In: Smart Scalp Cooling Symposium, 16 May 2013, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre , Huddersfield, UK.
Unver, Ertu, Swann, David, Bailey, Rowan, Govindarajan, Iniyanrajan and Dollan, Fiona (2013) The Art of 3D Sculpted Printing: Royal Coat of Arms Case Study.
Unver, Ertu, Howard, Chris, Swann, David and Stockton, Glynn (2013) Design, development and prototyping of portable Potty as part of Petit en Suite Child’s Pop-up Privacy Room.
Publications
Journal articles
Reid, J., & Swann, D. (2019). Decolonising the Finnish Baby box: A sociomaterial approach to designing interventions for infant and maternal health and well-being in Zambia. Journal of Early Childhood Education Research, 8 (2). https://jecer.org/author/mervi/page/3/
Swann, D., Meaton, J., & Bartys, S. (2019). WAAA! The conception and rapid development of a wearable for good technology. Design for Health, 2 (2), 253-265. http://doi.org/10.1080/24735132.2018.1541048
Swann, D. (2012). Home Improvements. Govtoday. https://www.bulletin.co.uk/1344/home-improvements/
Swann, D. (2012). We can't export healthcare without hygiene. Public Servant. http://www.bulletin.co.uk/1331/we-cant-export-healthcare-without-hygiene/
Conference papers
Swann, D. (2013). A behaviour changing syringe : making invisible risk, visible to deter the reuse of syringes in a curative context. In 2nd Global Forum on Medical Devices: Priority Devices for Universal Health Coverage, Centre International de Conférences Genève (CICG), Geneva, 22 November 2013 - 24 November 2013. http://www.who.int/medical_devices/global_forum/2nd_gfmd/en/
Swann, D. (2011). NHS at Home : ssing Lego Serious Play to capture service narratives and envision future healthcare products. In Include 2011: The Role of Inclusive Design in Making Social Innovation Happen, RCA London, 18 April 2011 - 20 April 2011. http://www.hhc.rca.ac.uk/2968/all/1/include-2011.aspx
Swann, D., & Caldwell, N. (2009). Design Engaging with Healthcare Transformation : a project, a pod and a PhD. In Include 2009: International Conference on Inclusive Design, Royal College of Art, 5 April 2009 - 8 April 2009. http://www.hhc.rca.ac.uk/1345/all/1/include_2009_.aspx
Pigott, J., Hargreaves, J., Power, J., & Swann, D. (2016). Liminal Hospital Spaces : Corridors to Well-Being? In Well-Being 2016: Third International Conference Exploring the Multi-Dimensions of Well-Being, Birmingham City University, 5 September 2016 - 6 September 2016. http://bcuwellbeing.co.uk/
Book chapters
Swann, D. (2016). An introduction to the challenges and opportunities for design. In Cooper, R., & Tsekleves, E. (Eds.) Design for Healthcare. Gower
Swann, D. (2011). NHS at Home : A Co-design Research Project to Develop a 21st Century Nursing Bag. In Anderson, M. (Ed.) Contemporary Ergonomics and Human Factors 2011. CRC Press: https://www.crcpress.com/Contemporary-Ergonomics-and-Human-Factors-2011-Proceedings-of-the-international/Anderson/p/book/9780415675734
Books
Harrow, D., Coleman, R., Matthews, E., Thompson, R., Swann, D., Hignett, S., ... Petersen, A. (2009). Healthcare on the move : treating patients in the community : the Smart Pods Project. Royal College of Art: Royal College of Art. http://www.hhc.rca.ac.uk/CMS/files/HealthcareOnTheMove-lowres.pdf
Reports
Unver, E., Silkstone, R., & Swann, D. (2015). Design, development, and prototyping of a bike chain & gear mechanism cleaning product. University of Huddersfield.
Unver, E., & Swann, D. (2013). The Conceptual Design of a Blister Pack Opening Tool. University of Huddersfield.
Unver, E., Howard, C., Swann, D., & Stockton, G. (2013). Design, development and prototyping of portable Potty as part of Petit en Suite Child’s Pop-up Privacy Room. University of Huddersfield.
Internet Publications
Swann, D. (2020). Kos Archive. https://kosarchive.com/
Artefacts
Swann, D. (2016). LIFEBELT. [Artefact].
Swann, D., Wallwein, L., Roberts, S., & Benincasa-Sharman, C. (2016). LifeHacket Trio. [Artefact]. https://vimeo.com/161747534
Unver, E., Burke, P., Howard, C., & Swann, D. (2015). Scalp Cooling Cap.
Swann, D., Bartys, S., Martin, H., Keaton, J., & Ma, M. (2015). WAAA! [Video]. https://vimeo.com/141251827
Swann, D. (2013). ABC Syringe. https://vimeo.com/73286912
Swann, D., & Unver, E. (2012). Buy, Drink, Recycle, Sell, See. [Video].
Swann, D. (2011). 21st Century Nursing Bag. http://www.challengeprizes.institute.nhs.uk/the-list-of-challenges/
Swann, D. (2010). Transformable Sterile field.
Swann, D. (2009). Concept Gadgets: Babylon AD.
Swann, D. (1997). Shared World, Shared Wealth.
Swann, D. (n.d.). Ebola Bleach Dilution gauge.
Exhibitions
Swann, D.M., & Heys, P. (2016). Absence-Presence: Kos. [Archive]. Sheffield Institute of Arts, Head Post office. http://www4.shu.ac.uk/mediacentre/exhibition-explores-realities-life-refugees
Unver, E., & Swann, D. (2015). MedTec Exhibition 2015. Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway, Ireland. http://www.hban.org/Events/Medtec-Ireland-Show-2015-Galway-6th-7th-Oct.601.html
Unver, E., & Swann, D. (2015). MedTec Exhibition 2015. Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway, Ireland. http://www.hban.org/Events/Medtec-Ireland-Show-2015-Galway-6th-7th-Oct.601.html
Swann, D. (2016). Safe and sound : protection and surveillance in 21st century. mudac – musée de design et d’arts appliqués contemporains Place de la Cathédrale 6 CH-1005 Lausanne. http://www.mudac.ch/exhibitions/currently-showing/sains-et-saufs/
Swann, D. (2016). Safe and sound : protection and surveillance in 21st century. mudac – musée de design et d’arts appliqués contemporains Place de la Cathédrale 6 CH-1005 Lausanne. http://www.mudac.ch/exhibitions/currently-showing/sains-et-saufs/
Swann, D. (2015). Biennale Internationale Design Saint-Etienne 2015. Saint-Etienne. http://www.biennale-design.com/saint-etienne/2015/fr/home
Swann, D. (2014). Design House Exhibition : Transforming Cities. Cape Town. http://www.wdccapetown2014.com/
Swann, D. (2014). 3rd Taipei Design ＆ City Exhibition 2014. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. http://english.culture.gov.taipei/ct.asp?xItem=87236639&ctNode=16009&mp=119002
Swann, D. (2014). Innovate UK 2014. Old Billingsgate, London. https://www.events.ukti.gov.uk/tsb-innovate
Swann, D. (2014). ABC Syringe. Glasgow. https://www.events.ukti.gov.uk/british-business-house-2014/event-day/british-business-house-2/
Swann, D. (2014). UKTI's British Business Embassy Exhibition 2014. St George's Hall, Liverpool. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-business-embassy-2014
Swann, D. (2014). GREAT Festival of Creativity Exhibition 2014. Istanbul. https://www.events.ukti.gov.uk/great-festival-of-creativity-trade-delegation-2/event-day/great-festival-of-creativity-turkey-1/
Swann, D. (2014). GREAT Festival of Creativity Exhibition 2014. Istanbul. https://www.events.ukti.gov.uk/great-festival-of-creativity-trade-delegation-2/event-day/great-festival-of-creativity-turkey-1/
Swann, D. (2014). Designs of the Year Exhibition 2014. London Design Museum, London. https://designmuseum.org/design/designs-of-the-year
Swann, D. (2014). Design & Education : Creating the Future Exhibition. Design Council, London. http://www.unialliance.ac.uk/campaigns/design
Swann, D. (2013). INDEX: Award Exhibition 2013. Copenhagen, Singapore, Luxembourg, Helsinki, Bauhaus, Risor, Huddersfield, Tallin, Hong Kong. https://www.flickr.com/photos/iaward/sets/72157635467840048/
Swann, D. (2011). INDEX: Award Exhibition 2011. Copenhagen, Singapore, Luxembourg, Helsinki, Bauhaus, Risor, Huddersfield, Tallin, Hong Kong. http://designtoimprovelife.dk/book-test/
Swann, D. (2011). Kaiser Permanente’s Innovation Learning Network’s In-Person Meeting: Co-Designing the Future of Connected Healing. Oakland, California, USA. https://www.signup4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=ILNX12E
Swann, D. (2011). Copenhagen Design Week 2011. Danish Design Centre. http://network.aia.org/HigherLogic/System/DownloadDocumentFile.ashx?DocumentFileKey=c7267905-949d-4d40-a76c-fac48a6e5546
Swann, D. (2013). 2nd Design 4 Health 2013 Exhibition. Sheffield. https://www.shu.ac.uk/research/specialisms/cultural-communication-and-computing-research-institute/events/2nd-european-design4health-conference
Swann, D. (2011). 1st European Design4Health Conference Exhibition 2011. Sheffield. http://research.shu.ac.uk/design4health/2011-official-proceedings
Swann, D. (2013). Healthcare Innovation Expo 2013. EdExcel, London. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/healthcare-innovation-expo-2013-starts-tomorrow
Swann, D. (2013). ROTOЯ : Mobilising Healthcare. Huddersfield Art Gallery, Huddersfield. https://transdisciplinarydialogueanddebate.wordpress.com/2013/07/
Swann, D. (2010). Research RCA: New Knowledge 2010. Gulbenkian Galleries, Royal College of Art, London.
Swann, D. (2009). Research in Progress Show. Royal College of Art, London.
Harrow, D., Matthews, E., Thompson, R., & Swann, D. (2009). Healthcare on the Move Exhibition 2009. Royal College of Art, London. http://smartpods.jimdo.com/exhibitions-1/healthcare-on-the-move
David, S. (2016). Ars et Techne Design Expositions. Nancy.
Swann, D., Wallwein, L., & Roberts, S. (2017). 2017 Push Festival: The Island, The Sea, The Volunteer and The Refugee. HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, First Street, Manchester M15 4FN. http://homemcr.org/production/the-island-the-sea-the-volunteer-the-refugee/
Swann, D., Wallwein, L., & Roberts, S. (2017). 2017 Push Festival: The Island, The Sea, The Volunteer and The Refugee. HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, First Street, Manchester M15 4FN. http://homemcr.org/production/the-island-the-sea-the-volunteer-the-refugee/
Designs
Swann, D., Reid, J., Doyle, B., & Muteba, M. (2020). Life-Saving Lullabies. https://www.shu.ac.uk/news/all-articles/latest-news/hallam-project-life-saving-lullabies-wins-social-impact-award
Swann, D. (2020). UNHCR Blanket+++. https://globalcompactrefugees.org/article/kos-material-witnesses
Swann, D. (2019). Digital Tablet Desk (Single). https://www.designresearchforchange.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/DR4C_Showcase_2019_Catalogue_digital_LRes.pdf
Swann, D. (2018). Digital Tablet Desk (Dual). https://www.registered-design.service.gov.uk/find/6036626
Images
Swann, D. (2016). Behind the Scenes : The Headline Ballad - on location photographs. [Radio 4 website].
Presentations
Swann, D., & Reid, J. (2021). Life-Saving Lullabies: The conception, development and piloting of a zero-cost maternal child health intervention in Zambia. Presented at: 27th Canadian Conference on Global Health, Ottawa, 2021
Reid, J., & Swann, D. (2021). Life-saving lullabies: Song as a Frugal and Sustainable Tool for Reducing Maternal and Infant Mortality in Zambia. Presented at: Driving Change in Stillbirth, SIDS and Infant Death, Australia, 2021
Reid, J., & Swann, D. (2021). Life-saving lullabies: Song as a Frugal and Sustainable Tool for Reducing Maternal and Infant Mortality in Zambia. Presented at: Driving Change in Stillbirth, SIDS and Infant Death, Australia, 2021
Swann, D., & Reid, J. (2021). Maternal Health lullabies featured in case study on Arts & Culture for Net Zero Resilience. Presented at: 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), Glasgow, 2021
Swann, D., & Meaton, J. (2016). Keynote speakers : wearables for good. Presented at: Wearable Health: Exploiting the Gap 2016, Digital Catapult Centre, 101 Euston Road, London, 2016
Unver, E., Howard, C., & Swann, D. (2013). Design & Development of Scalp Cooling Cap. Presented at: Smart Scalp Cooling Symposium, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre , Huddersfield, UK, 2013
Posters
Pigott, J., Swann, D., Hargreaves, J., & Power, J. (2013). Hospitalisation : a study investigating the personalisation of sterile domains. Presented at: 2nd European Design4Health Conference 2015, Sheffield, 2015
Datasets
Swann, D. (2020). Kos Refugee Migratory Database (2014 - 2020).. https://kosarchive.com/
Other publications
Swann, D. (2014). Design is Everywhere. Canada: ARTV: http://ledesignestpartout.com/
Swann, D. (2014). The Review Show. BBC4: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03zq4c8
Swann, D. (2014). BBC Breakfast News. BBC Breakfast News: BBC4: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03ynvkd
Swann, D. (2013). CNN International. Global: CNN International: http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/index-awards-design-to-improve-life/
Swann, D. (2011). The Health Show. BBC World: Rockhopper TV: http://www.rockhopper.tv/films/detail/21st-century-nursing-bag-combats-infection-in-the-home
Postgraduate supervision
Below supervision terminated due to move to Hallam.
Swann, Hargreaves & Power 2013- 2016. PhD: Hositalisation: A study of personalization of sterile domains.
Swann, Smith & Kagioglou 2014- 2016. D.Ent: Investigating “Real Time” experience of creative enterprise in UK HE design education.