This topic has hit me so deeply, that for over a month I’ve been unable to comment on it. I’m still collating thoughts. I’m glad I hesitated, because my initial response was far too shallow to my current take. I’d feel like an idiot.

I still want to come back to it. The idea of the responsibility that designers have on the world is unbelievably deep. We are the core to every new innovation and idea. Design is the very beginning of building EVERYTHING created by man, whether its art, products, systems, communication or even lifestyles.

Anyway, until I’m able to really get my thoughts together on this topic (thanks for giving me something to spend hours of thought on) I ran across this lecture given by William McDonough, a guest lecturer at Stanford University. The title is “Balancing Economy, Equity, and Ecology Through Design”, and he gives his take on the fundamental importance that the designer has to the world. He even goes so far as to state that almost every problem the world has is a product of bad design, and that every problem the world has is an opportunity for someone to create a better design.

Enjoy!

http://ecorner.stanford.edu/authorMaterialInfo.html?mid=2050

Aithene,
(the other Chris Wilson)

I personally am tired of the mentality of trying to make one product to fit everyone and then trying to convince everyone they need that product! I think the market is moving towards an expert mentality and people are willing to pay more to find an expert (person or product) to meet their needs. They realize the value.

SO,

1. Scratch below the surface: anticipate their needs
2. Authenticity: real people solving real problems
3. Collaborate WITH: people usually know what their problems are, we just need to get in touch with them and present some options we think would make great solutions and then step back and let them guide us towards the right one

Pretty cool!

Thanks for contributing. You’re right to point out that this can apply to other disciplines.

Being the brand guy that I am, I’ve already thought of how true the 3 rules presented in the presentation apply to the growth of brands as well.

1. Scratch below the surface (find the focus and reason for existence in your brand),
2. Authenticity is important (There are two many channels of communication and dialogue to try and grow a brand on feeble claims and image.
3. Collaborate with the Crowds (engage fans of your brand and seek consumer opinions. There’s no reason to plan in a vacuum anymore.)

But I’m know there are more rules to consider in this changing landscape. That’s why I’ve opened up the collaboration here…

btw - I love your ideas on extending the collabortion all the way into Part 2 of the project. Let’s change the world!

Opportunity’s to join the planning for Rapid Change in Design Part 2 starts here! If you have ideas or thoughts on what should be included in the sequel let us know here.

What did we miss in Part 1? What should Part 2 look like? Do you have slide ideas?

Let’s hear em!

Nice observation. Trends don’t seem to be taking the paths that they once did. Now that we are all connected trends can rise from just about anywhere.

Just take a look at these comments. In the few days that this project has been up, we already have contributions from across the world, a nice example of how collaboration is easier than ever.

Brilliant… I believe this project could fit many other disciplines. From “Rapid change in business” to… “Rapid chain in marketing… in advertising… in PR… etc.” (for those who are open to change, of course!). The inter-disciplinary frontiers are fading away and so are the fields of competences. In other words, your 3 rules could be extended to many other fields, I’m sure. And that makes them really insightful. I like the fact that you share these ideas with us here. This… is obviously the first step in collaborative thinking. The next step could be us trying to help you in your next design project. Right after that one… why not change the world? ; ) Let’s go for it.

Thanks for contributing.

I guess that depends on how you define rapid. The factors referenced in the slideshow are definitely changing design and in most cases at a quick rate because many of the barriers have been broken down.

Your right though, the rapid part of the equation could be expounded upon. Great! We’ve already got some direction for Part 2.