Australian Census to Count Designers Under New Dedicated Classification

Key facts

• The Australian census on 11 August will count designers under a dedicated professional group for the first time.
• 92 design occupations across 11 occupation codes will be recognized under Minor Group 242 Design Professional.
• Previously, design was categorized under architecture in Australia's occupational classification.
• The new classification includes graphic, industrial, interior, jewellery, fashion, multimedia, UI/UX, web, and textile designers, plus animators, VFX artists, and illustrators.
• Simone LeAmon, CEO of the Design Institute of Australia, called the census 'the first national benchmark of Australia's design workforce.'
• The design profession contributes an estimated $67.5 billion to the Australian economy each year.
• The DIA launched the 'Write Designer' campaign, produced pro bono by Clemenger BBDO, to encourage designers to identify themselves.
• The campaign features projects like the Facett hearing aid and Marc Newson's Lockheed Lounge.