Dr David Swann

Teaching

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and, since 1992, have taught product design across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving are central to my practice, underpinning both my teaching and research. At York St John, my teaching focuses on Level 4 and 5 product design students, helping them develop the professional skills, competencies, and confidence needed to succeed as a young designer.

Research

I am a practice-based design researcher whose work explores the transformative potential of design to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. Since 2012, my research has been grounded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and guided by a methodology that prioritises people, place, and planet.

I have contributed to two cycles of the UK Research Excellence Framework (2014 and 2021) and, as a former Professor of Design, have held senior research leadership roles including Unit of Assessment 32 Coordinator, Department Lead for Research & Innovation, and Acting Head of the Art, Design & Media Research Centre.

Working across the product–service–strategy continuum, I co-design frugal innovations in collaboration with humanitarian and non-profit organisations including War Child Holland, UNICEF, and St. John Zambia. This work has resulted in a range of award-winning projects, from Life-Saving Lullabies to healthcare and educational tools, all rooted in sustainable, cultural, and ethical practice. My designed products are used as case studies by the NHS and UNHCR and are held in the permanent collections of the London Design Museum, the London Science Museum, and the Young V&A.

Publications

Books

Harrow, D., Coleman, R., Matthews, E., Thompson, R., Swann, D (15%)., Hignett, S., Jones, A., Benger, J., Caldwell, N., Petersen, A. (2009) Healthcare on the move- treating patients in the community: The Smart Pods project. RCA: London. ISBN 978-1-905000-79-1.

Chapter in books

Swann, D. (2016) Introduction to the challenges and opportunities for design. In: R. Cooper & E. Tsekleves eds. 2016. Design for Healthcare (Design for Social Responsibility). Gower, Surrey. ISBN-13: 978-1472457424.

Publications

Swann, D., Reid, J and Doyle, B. (2023) Life-Saving Lullabies: The conception, development and adaptation of a cultural heritage tool for good. In: Strategic Design Research Journal 15 (3) July- August.

Swann, D. (2022). In K. Marynissen. An analysis of the use of arts-based methodologies in community engagement work in lower and middle-income countries: a World Health Organisation review.

Swann, D. (2022). In L. Pirgova-Morgan, Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on GCRF and Newton Projects.

Swann, D. (2022). In P. Rodgers, & L. Wareing (Eds.), What Design Research Does...: 62 Cards Highlighting the Power and Impact of UK-based Design Research in Addressing a Range of Complex Social, Economic, Cultural and Environ-mental Issues.

Swann, D. (2021). In P. Rodgers, & L. Wareing (Eds.), Adventures in Design Research. Lancaster University.

Reid, J. and Swann, D. (2019) Decolonising the Finnish Baby box: A socio-material approach to designing interventions for infant and maternal health and well-being in Zambia. In: Journal of Early Childhood Research. 8 (2) Taylor & Francis: London.

Swann, D. (2018). In T. Wilson & M. Cortes Favis (Eds.), Designs of our Time: 10 Years of Designs of the Year, Design Musuem Publishing.

Swann, D., Meaton, J., Batyrs, S. and Martin, H. (2018) WAAA! The conception and rapid development of a wearable for good: a case study. In: Design for Health Journal Vol. 2, 2. Taylor & Francis: London.

Swann, D. (2015) Ebola: bleach dilution gauge. In: M. Phillips & P. Chamberlain eds. (in press). China Healthcare Collaboration.

Swann, D. (2011) Home Help. New Design Magazine, (89), pp.52-53. Swann, D. (2010) It’s in the Bag. New Design Magazine, (77) pp.20-21.

Swann, D. (2010) Social action/ local care. In: J. McCullagh & S. Steve Swindells eds. 2010. Radar: Art/ Design/ Architec-ture/ Research. Radar: Huddersfield. ISBN: 978-1-86218-084-0.

Exhibitions and invited speaker

Exhibitions

Swann, D. (2023) Digital Tablet Design [artefact] Permanent collection. Young V&A, Bethnal Green, London.

Swann, D. (2018) Kos: Material Witnesses [artefact] ‘AHRC Design Research for Change’. Old Truman Building, London, 20-23 September 2018.

Swann, D. (2018) Can’t Wait to Learn [artefact] ‘AHRC Design Research for Change’. Old Truman Building, London, 20-23 September 2018.

Swann, D. (2016) ABC syringe [artefact] ‘Designer Maker User’ permanent gallery exhibit. London: London Design Musuem, 24 November 2016.

Swann, D. (2016) Ebola: bleach dilution gauge [artefact] ‘China Healthcare Collaboration’. China: 24 October 2016.

Swann, D. (2016) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘Bodyworks on tour’. Glasgow: Glasgow Science Centre, October 2016-September 2017.

Swann, D. (2016) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘Ars et Techne Design Expositions’. Nancy: IUT Nancy-Brabois, 6 September 2016.

Swann, D. and Heys, P. (2016) Absence Presence: Kos [artefact] ‘Research in Progress’. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University, 19-22 May 2016.

Swann, D. (2016) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘Safety and Surveillance- protection and surveillance in 21st century’. Lausanne: Museum of Design and Contemporary Applied Arts of Lausanne, 23 March-21 August 2016.

Unver, E. and Swann, D. (2015) Scalping cooling cap 2013 [artefact] ‘MedTec Ireland Show’. Ireland: Radisson Blu Hotel, 6-7 October 2015.

Swann, D. (2015) Ebola: bleach dilutation gauge 2015 [artefact] ‘3rd Design4Health’. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallm University, 13-16 July 2015.

Swann, D. (2015) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘Experiences of Beauty- Hyeprvital’. Saint-Etienne: Biennale Internationale Design, 12 March-12 April 2015.

Swann, D. (2014) ABC syringe 2013 [film] ‘Transforming Cities’. Cape Town: Design House. 15-19 October 2014.

Swann, D. (2014) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘Fusion: Social Design’. Taipei: 3rd Taipei Design & City Exposition 3-5 October 2014.

Swann, D. (2014) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘Global Spotlight on UK Innovation’. London: UK Trade & Industry 2014, 5-6 November 2014.

Swann, D. (2014) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘Collection Lab- A display of highlights from the museum's permanent collection’. London: London Design Museum, 10 September- Summer 2015.

Swann, D. (2014) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘Best of British Innovation’. Glasgow: UK Trade & Industry, 23-25 July 2014.

Swann, D. (2014) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘Best of British Innovation’. Liverpool: UK Trade & Industry, 9 June 2014.

Swann, D. (2014) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘Inaugural GREAT Festival of Creativity’. Istanbul: UK Trade Industry, 20-22 May 2014.

Swann, D. (2014) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘Design Museum Designs of the Year 2014’. London: London Design Museum, 26 March- 25 August 2014.

Swann, D. (2014) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘Design & Education: Creating the Future. London: University Alliance and the Intellectual Property Office, 25 March 2014.

Swann, D. (2014) 21st century nursing bag 2011 [artefact] ‘Design & Education: Creating the Future’. London: University Alliance and the Intellectual Property Office, 25 March 2014.

Swann, D. (2013) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘Medical Devices: Priority Devices for Universal Health Coverage’. Geneva: World Health Organisation, 22-24 November 2013.

Swann, D. (2013) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘Index Award World Tour 2013-2015’. Copenhagen, Helsingor, Hong Kong: INDEX: Design to Improve Life. August 2013-2015.

Swann, D. (2013) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘ROTOR Series: Mobilising Healthcare’. Huddersfield: Huddersfield Art Gallery, 24 July-August 2013.

Swann, D. (2013) 21st century nursing bag 2011 [artefact] ‘ROTOR Series: Mobilising Healthcare’. Huddersfield: Huddersfield Art Gallery, 24 July-August 2013.

Swann, D. (2013) ABC syringe 2013 [artefact] ‘2nd Design4Health’. Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, 3-5 July 2013.

Swann, D. (2013) 21st century nursing bag 2011 [artefact] ‘NHS Healthcare Innovation Exposition’.. London: EdExcel Centre, 13-14 March 2013.

Swann, D. (2013) 21st century nursing bag 2011 [artefact] ‘Research and Innovation for Health, Equity and Development’. Cape town: Council for Healthcare Research for Development, 13-14 March 2013.

Swann, D. (2011) 21st century nursing bag 2011[artefact] ‘Index Design to Improve Life Awards World Tour:(Copenhagen, Singapore, Luxembourg, Helsinki, Bauhaus, Risor, Huddersfield, Tallin, Hong Kong’. August 2011-2013.

Swann, D. (2011) 21st century nursing bag 2011[artefact] ‘Co-Designing the Future of Connected Healing’. United States of America: Kaiser Permanente’s Innovation Learning Network, 4-5 October 2011.

Swann, D. (2011) 21st century nursing bag 2011[artefact] ‘Copenhagen Design Week’. Copenhagen: Danish Design Centre, 1-6 September 2011.

Swann, D. (2011) 21st century nursing bag 2011[artefact] ‘1st Design4Health’. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University, 13-15 July 2011.

Swann, D. (2010) 21st century nursing bag 2010 [artefact] ‘New Knowledge’. London: Royal College of Art, 28 Novem-ber-3 December 2010.

Swann, D. (2009) 21st century nursing bag 2009 [artefact] ‘Research in Progress’. London: Royal College of Art, 27 November- 4 December 2009.

Swann, D. (2009) 21st century nursing bag 2009 [artefact] ‘NHS Innovation’. London: Excel Centre, 18-19 June 2009.

Swann, D. (2009) 21st century nursing bag 2009 [artefact] ‘Yorkshire & Humber Innovation Awards’. Leeds: Yorkshire & Humber Strategic Health Authority, 21 April 2009.

Swann, D. (2009) 21st century nursing bag 2009 [artefact] ‘Healthcare on the Move’. London: Royal College of Art, 6-8 April 2009.

Swann, D. (2009) 21st century nursing bag 2009 [artefact] ‘Engineering Physical Sciences Research Council’s Pioneers’. London: Olympia, 4 March 2009.

Swann, D. (2009) 21st century nursing bag 2009 [artefact] ‘Helen Hamlyn Centre’s Living Proof Exhibition’. London: London Design Festival, 18-30 September 2009.

Swann, D. (1997) Shared Earth, Shared Wealth 1997 [artefact] ‘LG World Design Exhibition’. South Korea: Seoul Arts Centre, 2-8 April 1997.

Swann, D. (1996) Alfa Romeo future 1996 [artefact] ‘Domus Academy Auto Design’. Milan: FIAT Auto, 22 June 1997. Swann, D. (1992) Pest control manhole cover 1991 [artefact] ‘British Council’. Japan & USA, August 1992.

Swann, D. (1991) Green bicycle 1991 [artefact] ‘Industrial Design’. London: Aram Design, July 1991.

Swann, D. (1991) Green bicycle 1991 [artefact] ‘RSA Student Design Awards: Winners showcase’. London: Royal Society of Arts, May 1991.

Swann, D. (1990) Deep sea hydroforming 1991 [artefact] ‘British Steel Satinless: Winners showcase’. London: Royal College of Art, 1990.

Swann, D. (1989). Apple Pica 1989 [artefact] ‘New Designers’. London: Business Design Centre, July 1989.

Invited speaker 

• 2024 Culture of Creative Health guest lecture series, University of Huddersfield, 24 January
• 2023 Student Union’s Sustainability: Climate Action Event, Sheffield Hallam University, 27 June
• 2021 Resilience Hub at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow to highlight opportunities for arts-based methods to facilitate and support net zero research
• 2021 Canadian Conference for Global Health
• 2019 Invited speaker: Art & Humanities Research Council meeting (one of three presenters)
• 2019 GCRF Demonstrate Impact Competition Briefing, Good Health and Well-Being
• 2018 AHRC Next Generation Researchers, Royal College of Art
• 2016 University Institutes of Technology 50th Anniversary, Nancy
• 2016 Digital Catapult Centre, Wearable for Health conference, London, 7 June
• 2015 The Law Society’s Research Unit, Creative Thinking in the Dock. Speaker: Design & Impact Workshop, 24 February
• 2014 Taipei Design Government, Design & City Expo, Taipei,3-5 October
• 2014 London Design Museum, Industry Insights- A Higher Education Event on Demystifying Processes of Human-Centred Design, 25 April 2014
• 2014 Driving Disruption Innovation in the 21st Century, Tata Motors European Technical Centre, University of Warwick,Coventry, 9 April
• 2013 The 2nd Global Forum on Medical Devices: Priority Devices for Universal Health Coverage, World Health Organisation, Geneva, 22-24 November 2013

Conferences, awards and invitations

Conference contributions (refereed)

Swann, D. (2023) Decarbonising Design. Council for Higher Education in Art and Design’s Creative Graduates: What is the Future Now conference, 16 March 2023, Kingston University.

Swann, D. (2021) Life-Saving Lullabies. In: 26th United Nations Climate Change conference, 31 October to 13 November 2021, Glasgow, Scotland.

Swann, D. (2015) WAAA! a wearable for good. In: UNICEF- First global summit on innovation for children, 9-10 Novem-ber, Helsinki.

Pigott, J., Hargreaves, J., Power, J. and Swann, D. (2016) Liminal hospital spaces : corridors to well-Being? In: Well-Be-ing 2016: Third International Conference Exploring the Multi-Dimensions of Well-Being, 5-6 September 2016, Birmingham City University.

Swann, D. (2013) A behaviour changing syringe: Making invisible risk, visible to deter the reuse of syringes in a curative context. In: Second WHO Global Forum on Medical Devices: Priority Medical Devices for Universal Health Coverage, 22–24 November 2013, Geneva.

Swann, D. (2013) Designing out curative syringe reuse: maximising global acceptance and impact by design. In: 2nd European conference on Design4Health, 3-5 July 2013, Sheffield.

Swann, D. (2011) NHS at Home: using Lego Serious Play to capture service narratives and envision future healthcare products. In: Include 2011: The role of inclusive design in making social innovation happen, 18-20 April 2011, London.

Swann, D. (2011) NHS at Home: A co-design research project to develop a 21st century nursing bag. In: Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors, Contemporary Ergonomics & Human Factors,12-14 April 2011, Stoke Rochford.

Swann, D. (2011) Healthcare in the bag. In: 1st European conference on Design4Health, 13-15 July 2011, Sheffield.

Swann, D. and Caldwell N. (2009) Design engaging with healthcare transformation. Include 2009 Inclusive design into innovation: transforming practice in design, research and business, 6-8 April 2009, London.

Unver, E. and Swann, D. (2001) The Importance of 3D design and CAD technology in education. In: 3D Design Conference, 21-22 February 2001, London.

Design and innovation awards (external)

• 2020 Good Design Australia Awards: Best in class for Social Impact
• 2020 D&AD Awards: Future Impact Category Winner
• 2020 Goldreed Industrial Design Awards: shortlisted
• 2015 UNICEF 2015 Wearables for Good Challenge Finalist (1 of 10 finalists)
• 2015 International Council of Societies of Industrial Design’s World Design Impact Prize Winner
• 2015 Winner of the best design exhibit at 3rd European Design for Health Conference
• 2014 ICON Awards 2014 Nominee: Social Responsible Design
• 2014 Winner, Society of Dyers and Colourists, International Innovation Award (SME category)
• 2014 London Design Museum’s Designs of the Year Award Nominee (Product Design category)
• 2014 D&AD Professional Awards: White Pencil Award nominee
• 2014 Winner of International Council of Societies of Industrial Design’s Biennial World Design Impact Prize
• 2013 INDEX: Design to Improve Life Award Finalist: Body category (1 of 8 finalists)
• 2013 INDEX: Design to Improve Life Award: Peoples’ Award Finalist (1 of 12 finalists)
• 2013 INDEX: Design to Improve Life Investment Candidate (1 of 10, from 1200 entries)
• 2012 Institution of Engineering & Technology Innovation Awards Finalist: Product Design category (1 of 4 finalists)
• 2012 James Dyson Design Awards: UK finalist (1 of 10 finalists)
• 2012 Nursing Times Award Finalist: Infection Prevention and Control category (1 of 3 finalists)
• 2011 Winner of Helen Hamlyn Award for Creativity
• 2011 NHS Innovation Challenge Prize Finalist & Highly Commended Award Winner
• 2011 INDEX Award Finalist- Design to Improve Life: Body category (1 of 13 finalists)
• 2011 Conran Foundation Design Award nominee
• 2010 NHS Yorkshire & Humber Innovation Awards: Medical Device Finalist (1 of 3 finalists).
• 2010 Industrial Designers Society of America International Design Excellence Awards: Design Research category (1 of 5 finalists).
• 1997 LG Electronic International Design Awards, Finalist and Special Award Winner
• 1991 Royal College of Art’s Fleur Cowles Award for Design Excellence: Finalist
• 1991 Chartered Society of Designers Student Silver Medal Award Winner: Product Design.

Invitations

• 2023 The Design Council’s Design for Net-Zero Leaders’ workshop
• 2023 Pearson Education’s Roundtable: Design Education roundtable (academic progression to HE)
• 2022 Parliamentary Invitation: Plans for Growth: Industry and Skills’ roundtable to discuss for the Labour Party's Design Council’s Design Economy 21 development group
• 2021 Parliamentary Invitation: The Design Museum's launch new Design in Britain campaign hosted by Lord
• 2019 Mandelson in the House of Commons. UNICEF, First Global Summit on Innovation for Children, Helsinki 9-10 November
• 2015 UNICEF, Global Innovation Centre and Innovation Fund launch, New York, April
• 2015 Queens’ Royal Garden Party in recognition of my support and involvement with UKTI events
• 2015 UNICEF UK, Igniting Innovation, London, 26 March
• 2014 World Design Capital International Design Gala, Cape Town International Convention Center, 28 February

Professional activities

I am a Design Council Expert and contribute to its Skills for Planet mission.

The breadth, depth, and currency of my subject expertise have led to regular invitations to participate in external policy panels, roundtables, and workshops, where I provide thought leadership on issues of strategic importance to the UK. My contributions focus in particular on net-zero innovation, green skills, and addressing the decline in the design and technology education pipeline.

Notable invitations include a 2024 in-person workshop hosted by the RSA and the Creative Industries Policy Centre, exploring the role of innovation in developing a Northern Creative Corridor “supercluster.” In 2023 and 2024, I participated in the Design Council’s Design for Net Zero Innovation Leaders’ Forum, helping to shape its Spring 2024 policy briefing, which sought to mobilise design for the green economy through the development of regional net-zero innovation hubs for a future pilot study.

In 2023, I also contributed to Pearson Education’s Rethinking Design & Technology: Shifting Design Education Towards Social Responsibility roundtable, which informed the development of a new subject focused on responsible design.