A personal website for Kyle Brand
Designer, Lecturer, Adventurer*
A curious individual who enjoys diversity within his work and is passionate about expanding his knowledge and skill set. An experienced designer, lecturer and researcher. Has eight years of experience in teaching and mentoring students in different design courses, developing and demonstrating the application of skills like critical thinking, human-centred design, social innovation, prototyping, creativity, systems thinking etc. Has participated and led within transdisciplinary teams, working on complex real-world projects. Spoken at academic and non-academic, local and international, conferences presenting research and projects. Is an adaptable individual who learns new skills quickly in response to needs that emerge.
Lecturing
I began teaching Industrial Design while completing my master’s degree. This was at the University of Johannesburg from 2011 to 2014. Initially only teaching specific projects within courses and then later teaching full courses. I assisted with various research projects link to my own research and that of other staff members at the time. I was also a founding member of the Design Society Development (DSD) lab which was later recognised as a DESIS Lab. At that time the DSD Lab hosted two public seminars looking at the role of design in society and development.
In addition to the normal teaching I briefed and managed the faculty based Green Week Project in 2013. I also assisted with with the taxi intervention project with Matthew Burger, the Alexandra Solar Lighting and Candle stick projects.
After completing my masters, I accepted a full time position at the still quite new Industrial Design program at the Tshwane University of Technology. Shortly after this, the program was in the process of reviewing its curriculum and I was tasked with developing the new Concept Simulation subject. This led to the formation of the Concept Lab (a smaller workshop) within the studio space as well as research.
I first got involved in the 2016 TUT Solar car project as a the car body designer and driver. In 2018 he was the design manager for the 2018 TUT Solar Car which competed in the Sasol Solar challenge 2018 placing 1st place among South African teams and in 4th place overall. TUT Solar team also won the African Spirit Award and did the most kilometers by a South African team in one day (with a four square meter solar array) and were awarded the International Solar Federation Award for 2018. I am currently working with the team on the development of the 2020/2021 TUT solar car.
I have also partnered with the Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project and have been working on a ongoing project which aims to develop a new composite artificial nest for the birds.
With very broad interests and skills I have also been involved in many other special projects at the university.
