The goal of DFTW

What is the outcome?

The outcome is a community of designers who are not only equipped with the skills to succeed but are also uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change. These designers are goal-driven, empowered, and cross-disciplinary, always pushing boundaries and embracing forward-thinking approaches. They are committed to sustainability, educating those around them, and openly sharing their knowledge.

What’s remarkable about these individuals is their ongoing dedication to learning. They return to PE to integrate their real-world experiences, continuously adding to the collective knowledge of the network and empowering others. Their mindset is centered around life-long exploration, constantly seeking ways to ensure that design remains human-centric and delivers real value to the world.

These designers take pride in their work with us, and they actively advocate for the network. They are enthusiastic about PE’s resources and community and are eager to recommend and share what we do, because they see it as a valuable part of their professional journey.

What do we do to make that happen?

At Perpetual Education, our professional development network is built to provide long-term coaching, support, and a clear pathway to helping designers find their passion and thrive in their careers. Here’s how we achieve that through our holistic approach:

• Comprehensive resources: We’ve created a rich library of resources—stories, interviews, events, group projects, and workshops—that offer continuous learning and keep designers connected to real-world experiences and the latest industry trends.
• Research-driven approach: Our approach is based on extensive course audits, pedagogy research, interviews with industry experts, and a commitment to refining our educational methods. This ensures we deliver the most relevant and impactful support.
• Collaborative critique and community review: We foster a culture of open critique and community-driven reviews, where designers can grow by receiving and giving feedback. This collaborative learning builds trust and creates a space for ongoing professional development.
• Open source contributions: By encouraging participation in open-source projects, we help designers not only sharpen their skills but also contribute to the broader design and development community.
• Personalized coaching: Our long-term coaching goes beyond tools and technology, helping designers find deeper purpose in their work. This individualized support enables them to grow in ways that align with their passion and professional goals.
• Practical tools and study exercises: We provide practical study tools and exercises designed for long-term improvement, helping designers practice, reflect, and consistently develop their skills.
• Open industry network: We connect designers with companies that value cross-disciplinary skills and offer opportunities to apply those skills in real-world contexts. Our network ensures that designers can grow professionally while contributing meaningful work.
• Keeping tabs on the industry: We stay current by talking with industry professionals, attending conferences, reading books, and engaging with emerging trends. This helps us stay informed and bring fresh insights to our coaching and resources.
• Human-centered, long-term vision: Throughout it all, we maintain a focus on human-centered design and a long-term vision, ensuring designers’ work brings real value to the world while supporting their growth as professionals.