Ichiro Saga, Wang Xiaofeng
Mar 26, 2026, University of Macau, Master’s and Doctoral Programmes in Visual Communication Design
At the invitation of Associate Professor Wang Xiaofeng of the University of Macau Graduate School, I delivered a special lecture (in English) titled "Design In-The-Making." The lecture provided an overview of the development of design theory since the Bauhaus, focusing on three main pillars: (1) how design theory based on modern rationality and economic efficiency primarily represents an idealized vision of design; (2) how the trial-and-error inherent in actual creative practice—actions that take place "outside" of theory—tends to be overlooked; and (3) how, historically, it is often the design movements originating from outside established theory that have proven to be truly innovative. The session was specifically designed for students in practical, studio-based disciplines.