In today’s ever-increasing technological society, postgraduate design education demands the cultivation of vital skills, including creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability. This paper takes a novel position by investigating the results of integrating Mikhail Tal's chess philosophy into design ontology and pedagogy. Tal was renowned for his unorthodox and innovative style, which I argue offers a unique perspective that can enrich the design education landscape. To explore the connection between Tal's chess philosophy and design ontology, I employed a diary study method. This approach captured the personal insights and experiences of both design educators and students over an academic semester. Participants maintained diaries, documenting their thoughts, reflections, and experiences regarding the integration of Tal's chess philosophy into their design education and practice. Mikhail Tal's chess philosophy is characterized by audacity and imagination, featuring key principles of Creativity and Imagination, Risk and Reward, Dynamic Adaptation. The research Incorporated Tal's chess philosophy into design education thus allowing educators to:
- Cultivate Creativity: Encourage students to think beyond boundaries, fostering innovative design solutions.
- Encourage Risk-Taking: Help students develop the courage to take calculated risks, learning from both success and failure.
- Enhance Adaptability: Equip staff and students with the ability to adapt design strategies to evolving project requirements and constraints.
Integrating Tal's chess philosophy into teaching sessions, equipped postgraduate students with skills and perspectives that directly benefit their design practice. Through the dairies and their designs, students were better prepared to navigate the complexity and uncertainty inherent in contemporary design projects.

Authors:
Timi O'Neill, The University of Wales Trinity Saint David, United Kingdom

About the Presenter(s)
Mr Timi O'Neill is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at UWTSD in United Kingdom

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