I just returned from 3 weeks teaching in China at the Suzhou Art and Design Technology Institute. In the first week we worked on visual research skills with exercises aimed at developing observation and drawing skills. In the second week we holed up in the library and found some design heroes and heroines and conducted a series of Pecha Kucha style presentations. For the final week the students undertook some primary research on the streets of Suzhou looking at the wayfinding systems in the city and speaking to locals and tourists about their experiences of getting around.

Many thanks to all the students who participated in the sessions. Also big thanks to Harry and Sonia at Suzhou who made my stay so enjoyable!! I miss China already, in particular the huǒ guō!!