How does the Lean Start Up Model of Entrepreneurship apply to Practices in the Visual Communications Sector?

This paper looks at the Lean Start-up model of entrepreneurship with the view to assess the suitability for use for start-up practices in Visual Communication Design. The research begins with by defining the term Visual... [ view full abstract ]

This paper looks at the Lean Start-up model of entrepreneurship with the view to assess the suitability for use for start-up practices in Visual Communication Design. The research begins with by defining the term Visual Communication Design and draws upon national and international literature to make comparisons and to identify themes within the discipline.

The paper then investigates the current state of Visual Communications enterprises in Ireland in terms of the business type, length of time in business, and location around the country. This section draws upon national and international research in order to make a comparison between the performance and make up of sector here and abroad.

The third section looks at defining entrepreneurship and investigates business models and in particular the Lean Start-Up model of entrepreneurship in order to evaluate the stability of this model to the Visual Communication Sector.

PhD Importance and Key Contribution
It would seem, from a preliminary review, that the current models of entrepreneurship may not specifically apply to the Visual Communications sector and a model of entrepreneurship my need to be devised to answer the research question

Theoretical Base
There seems to be a skills deficit in relation to entrepreneurship skills in the Visual Communications sector both in Ireland and abroad. Design practices seem to be formed by individuals for creative reasons rather then business or entrepreneurship reasons

Research Questions & Method
Currently, desk research and literature review - field research will be mixed methods of case study/interviews and survey

Findings (if relevant)
The Visual Communications Design Sector in Ireland is small in comparison to the sector internationally
The Visual Communications Design Sector in Ireland is underperforming as turnover of GDP in comparison to the sector internationally
The Visual Communications Design Sector in Ireland is Dublin Centric
1 in 5 Visual Communications Design practices in Ireland are start-up enterprises
Almost half of Visual Communications enterprises in Ireland are Sole-Traders or Registered Business Names

Implications
This research has implications to how design practice are formed and how this may have an impact on the development of the sector

Design, entrepreneurship, small business, Ireland, Graphic Design, Visual Communication [ view full abstract ]

Design, entrepreneurship, small business, Ireland, Graphic Design, Visual Communication