"Professional design has a massive influence on our lives at every level. From the design of everyday objects to buildings, technology, systems of all kinds,communication (including, websites, mobile apps, and AI Systems), and the list goes on.

Both professionals and scholars recognise that design is an essential aspect of human activity. This is design as we organise and arrange our lives to address change and to solve problems. In an increasingly turbulent world, fast changing and complex, its important and useful for us to know more about how government, industry and communities use design across our own daily lives and in our communities."

Objectives of the Group will be:

• To explore design and its application and impact on our daily lives and our community.
• To draw on the experience of U3A members who have experience of design and its related topics.
• To offer a variety of opportunities for all U3A members to broaden their knowledge of design through connecting with people, business, and educational institutions across Oxfordshire.

Examples of topics, connections and visits that the group may consider are:

• How business and communities use design to make changes in the way we go about our daily lives.
• Placemaking: What is it and how can we be involved?
• The Design Museum and the V&A London.
• Talks from local Architects, Craftworkers and Designers
• What is the Connection between Design and Craft?
• Links between design and care for the environment.
• How can we develop our design sensibilities and skills?

The group will explore options to connect with Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University as well as Oxford City College, in areas such as Design History, Design Thinking, Photography, and Crafts.