Designer Trajectories, Lifecycles: A Research Survey on the Working Lives of Designers
14.10.2026 News
Members of the International Council of Design are invited to take part in an anonymous 15-minute survey on the careers of graphic and communication designers. Open until 30 November 2026.
The International Council of Design is pleased to support a research project led by Professor Meghan Kelly (Deakin University) and Associate Professor Veronika Gunjko-Kelly (Adelaide University), examining the working lives of professional designers, with a focus on graphic and communication design practice globally.
The project looks at the trajectory and lifecycle of designers at various stages of their career, with particular attention to the experiences of women in design. Contributions from all members, inclusive of gender, are welcome.
About the survey
- 18 questions, approximately 15 minutes to complete
- Fully anonymous: you will not be asked for names, details or identifying information about your employment
- Questions address challenges that may have affected career advancement, reasons for moving between roles, and other impacting factors
- You may skip any question and withdraw at any stage before submitting; once submitted, responses cannot be withdrawn
- Participation is voluntary and unpaid
The research will contribute to a book publication with Routledge and to journal articles.
Deadline: 30 November 2026
Questions or concerns
For questions about the project, contact Professor Meghan Kelly (meghan.kelly@deakin.edu.au) or Associate Professor Veronika Gunjko-Kelly (veronika.kelly@adelaide.edu.au).
If you have any complaints about any aspect of the project, the way it is being conducted, or any questions about your rights as a research participant, please contact the Human Research Ethics Office, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Victoria 3125, Australia — tel. +61 3 9251 7129, research-ethics@deakin.edu.au — quoting project number HAE-24-060.
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