A short article on presentation – based on a few years at the coalface with varying degrees of success! Presenting is definitely an artform in itself and there are many schools of thought on how best to do it – ultimately nothing really replaces experience !
check out new design magazine, Factorydesign are all over it like a rash. There is an article on us and also an article written by associate Lee Bazalgette on Sustainability. Haven’t blogged for a while but here goes at trying to keep on the case
The Yas hotel lies at the centre of the Yas formula one circuit and is truly a fantastic building. Lights play over the roof at night and the circuit runs
through its heart- creating a truly wonderful spectacle and noise as the cars thunder around – fab.
Interesting day looking at some of the output and work by Dr Hua Dong and team at Brunel HCDI ( Human Centred Design Institute) and their inspirational work as part of their ESPRC ( Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council !!) Project on inclusive design ‘tools’. Tools – as in the best and most usable way that sensible and relevant data can be disseminated to busy designers, and those with less knowledge of this highly user focused approach to design, to help create better products for everybody.
Good designers always have the user at the focus – but the tools provide great additional methods and means to help solve design issues and importantly sell concepts into industry with the appropriate back up data and material.
A good day
So …..back from the aircraft interiors show. Many seats, many interiors and many miles of walking – interspersed with hellos and meetings. Tiring but interesting.
It amazing how quickly you get used to just flying somewhere…… until that option becomes tricky. Whether it be volcanic dust clouds or volcanic unions, the inability to ‘book it and go’ drives you ( haha) to look at different ways around the problem. Whilst trying to get to Hamburg for the Aircraft Interiors Expo next week – where we designers all traipse miles around the halls and stands – the BA strike has caused us to alternatively relax and panic. Yes our flight will go out – but no our flight will not come back. Cancelling and refunding one cancels both – a cleft stick I believe it may be called. Rip off is another. So go by car, go by train, go by boat, all actually quite appealing for their difference but ultimately…. yes….. cop out….. EasyJet. Thank gawd.
…….. To what extent do you think new graduates could realistically fulfill social agendas / become involved in ’social projects’ within industry ?
and this was my long answer………
This may sound a bit trite – but it is really up to them. Firstly they need to be a good designer. Good design can make changes – and whether the focus is on altruistic projects or more mainstream, the ability to persuade, highlight and make a difference through good design and convincing solutions is where they will gain their spurs. The business community at the moment – probably more than ever before- has its eyes open to its social responsibility and the pressure to confront the issues that they might normally want to avoid.
Companies are very aware of how they are perceived and, actually, a lot of legislation is starting to drive their agendas. If anything I think that the opportunities are greater now than they have ever been – because the focus on the many issues has made them mainstream and commercially important to companies. They are more prepared to listen and importantly pay for the advice. Many companies have mission statements that include their social and environmental responsibility, and employ dedicated trained people- who have learnt their craft on new degree courses. This was unheard of only a few years ago. The important issue for them is to sort the real agendas and act appropriately, efficiently and commercially and they need good people to do that.
Factorydesign have been involved with the DBA Helen Hamlyn Challenges for Inclusive Design since their inception and I was asked to give a few words at the launch of the exhibition. A fun evening about an inspiring subject that has true design at its core – solving real problems for people with extreme needs and benefitting the population as a whole.
looking nervous ?
Hot hot in abu dhabi- 45 degrees and very sunny – but it’s all outside the window. Amazing progress on building works out here and ‘masdar’ the Eco city is starting to rise from the ground. Elegant road bridges and Zaha Hadid’s bridge changes each time we come and I am sure will be finished soon. Looking forward to seeing progress on the leaning tower…….
Lee has now set me up to blog on the go with my i-phone. Expect more …. By the way he is very clever.