The inherent value of design research for industry: An impact case study using low-cost 3D printing for high-value commercial products

Often published literature in design research explores theoretical content to advance the way we look at a design discipline but in Australia, it rarely bridges the gap between scholarly work done within a university and design work done for industry. There is an overwhelming sense of importance put towards industry-university engagement in Australia to improve funding mechanisms for research within universities, but also to ensure the research being done has impact for industry. This paper details a successful impact case study, which utilised the professional skills of a design team within a university to successfully tackle a challenging commercial project. By operating within a research framework, the gap between research theory, research practice and the generation of high-value outcomes has been bridged with demonstrable impact.