Singapore Design Class (SDC) is a new certification scheme which distinguishes excellence in design services. It is based on the Singapore Design Class standard which addresses quality management for organizations in the design sector.
The SDC standard is the foundation of the auditing and certification process. It was drafted by an industry committee representing the major stakeholders in the design context: design firms, clients, manufacturers, educational institutions.
This standard is now published to call for industry feedback. We encourage all design professionals or stakeholders to analyze it carefully and provide input for finalizing the standard.
Why SDC?
Design Organizations which are adopting the SDC standard will upgrade their operations to provide the best value to all stakeholders. The SDC mark will provide recognition for their excellence when awarded upon certification. The mark will provide guidance to organizations evaluating potential partners in the design field by providing complementary criteria to the usual portfolio and bids.
Who can get certified?
All design organizations operating in Singapore can apply for certification. The certification is not tied to membership of a specific professional body. Interested entities are invited to adopt the standard for their operations and apply for certification. The audit will be in two stages. First a desk audit based on documents submitted by the applicant will be performed. After successfully clearing the desk audit, there will be an on- site audit. If successful, the SDC mark will be awarded for 3 years.
Is there a cost?
Organizations who apply for SDC have to bear the audit cost. Upon certification, a yearly administrative fee applies. The amounts are not confirmed yet.
Do we have to reveal confidential information?
Due to the nature of the audit, most of the elements of the audit will be performed by independent organizations specializing in such audits. Therefore, confidentiality will be preserved.
How can I provide feedback?
Please send us your views and suggestions to: vicepresident@dasingapore.com
The SDC Standard Committee
Ulrich Schraudolph (Chairman) Design Director, XentiQ
Freddy Soon Chairman Singapore Quality Class
Daphne Flynn Director, Philips Design Singapore
Pernilla Johansson Design Director, Electrolux Asia Pacific
Kia Tong Tan Chief Technology Officer, OSIM
Nigel Smith Managing Director DIA Brand Consultants
Alex Mucha Partner Equus Design
Jonathan Bonsey Managing Director,Bonsey Design
Allein Dupuis Research Team Leader, EADS
Charlene ANG Hwee Ling Vice President, Corporate Learning and Consulting PSB Academy
Jennyfer Lacroix Program Leader Product Design, Lasalle College of the Arts
Thierry Do Lecturer Singapore Polytechnic
Download the Standards draft in PDF format here
We encourage all design professionals or stakeholders to analyze it carefully and provide their input for finalizing the standard by August 16.
