Research published earlier this year by Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation showed that Ireland’s design sector accounts for €38bn in exports and 48,000 design jobs, which equates to 2.5% of the Irish workforce.
As the national economic development agency for Ireland’s craft and design sector, DCCoI assists those working in this vibrant sector by providing a wide range of supports and development programmes to help designers start and grow their business.
DCCoI last year convened Irish Design 2015, a year showcasing and promoting the Irish design sector; the results of which can be read in our article here.
One area of supports provided by DCCoI is training and mentoring in areas like innovation, product development and market research. We've a snapshot of some of those supports, and where to find out more information.
FUSE clinics
FUSE is a series of experimental clinics to develop the design and innovation capabilities of the design/craft sector. The clinics have a number of elements that address product innovation and explore the potential to access new markets. Previous events have included one-to-one clinics with experts and product design challenges.
Clients will have the opportunity to attend presentations in design, retailing, e-commerce, trade shows, merchandising, branding, trends and much more, as well as take part in 1-to-1 clinics with a range of mentors with expertise in the following:
- Design Mentors with experience in product development, industrial design, production and manufacturing, 3D printing, brand identity, fashion and textiles and more
- Retailers from large department stores and independent stockists advising on selling wholesale and distribution
- Media experts with advice on how to get your product profiled and creating professional press packs
- E-Commerce experts with advice on how to design and develop a successful e-commerce platform
- Merchandisers with advice on how to display your products in store, at events, trade shows and press shots
In 2016, FUSE Clinics will be held in various locations in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) and strategic partners – for further details about FUSE check out the DCCoI's website.
In addition to the FUSE Product Development Clinics, a series of targeted FUSE Clinics have been developed to respond to the needs of specific clients. These included:
FUSE Branding & Packaging Clinic:
A FUSE Branding & Packaging Clinic was held in Dublin to give DCCoI clients the opportunity to meet with a panel
of industry experts to talk through packaging solutions and ideas. Irish packaging companies were on hand to talk through pricing structures and the available options in Ireland. 33 clients attended. As a follow up to the clinic, nine participants applied for and were offered one-to- one packaging specific mentoring in 2015.
Digital Fabrication & Craft Programme (Laser Cutting and CNC Milling):
DCCoI, in partnership with Fab Lab Limerick, developed a Digital Fabrication Programme focusing on laser cutting and CNC milling. Participants were introduced to the basics of technical drawing, vector-drawing programmes, 3D printing and laser cutting over a series of group workshops followed by machine time with mentoring and technical advice provided by Fab Lab Limerick. The programme commenced with an introductory seminar on 24th October 2014 and 10 designer makers were selected to participate in further mentoring in 2015. This seminar was recorded and made available on DCCoI‘s YouTube channel and website.
Enterprise and Innovation Workshops
Enterprise and Innovation Workshops cover topics that have been identified by DCCoI as relevant to the ongoing development of design and craft enterprises. These workshops are organised by DCCoI, often in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), and advertised on specified dates and times in various locations in Ireland.
Enterprise and Innovation Workshops 2015 saw the ongoing development of training initiatives with the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), Local Development Companies (LDCs) and Visual Artists Ireland (VAI).
In 2015 DCCoI/LEO partnership workshops were run in Galway, Wicklow, Monaghan and Mayo, There were 12 workshops with 176 businesses participating. Product design, export and costing and pricing were the key focus of this programme and training was delivered in these specific identified areas with export being a key focus.
Tailored support for design-makers
Building Craft and Design Enterprise Programme is a premium package of support tailored for designer-makers to boost their product in the marketplace through a series of design-led workshops. The Building Craft and Design Enterprise Programme is delivered in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices nationally.
During the programme participants undertake market research, engage in design-focused workshops and learn about branding, costing, promotion and strategies to expand existing market channels. Callouts for applications are advertised on the DCCoI website.
12 businesses participated in this high-calibre programme in 2015, the objective of which was to optimise sales in the retail and collector markets. Utilising social media platforms and delivered over a 10-month period, the programme concentrated on excellent product design, production capacity, business development and export.
Mentoring
The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) mentoring programme provides design and craft businesses with tailored support from a range of experts in design, production, business, marketing, branding and craft specific technical expertise. Mentoring is delivered one-to-one. DCCoI registered client enterprises can apply for mentoring throughout the year.
During 2015 mentoring focused on design, product development, production capacity, optimisation of social media as a development
tool and export opportunities. A total of 73 clients benefited from one-to-one mentoring during the year. 60 clients were allocated mentors from the DCCoI Mentoring Panel and a further 13 received in-house mentoring.
For more information
Visit the DCCoI website for details on the full range of DCCoI supports available.