Ok, so it’s been a while since i visited the front page of the IDSA (Industrial Designers Society of America) website, but then since i am not a member and I don’t reside within the USA I cannot become one, i don’t think it’s such a bad thing. But anyway, i came across the Innovation magazine from the IDSA and one of the articles within the online magazine is a “20 Designers, 10 Questions” article interviewing 20 Designers with the same 10 questions.
So, instead of having a read I thought I would copy the questions and have a go at writing out my answers before I even saw the answers from the designers in the article. Just so my views wouldn’t get swayed from one way to another. You can check out my answers below or you can read through the actual article (PDF).
1 Designer, 10 Questions:
1. Has the recent surge in design popularity made a difference in your world? If so, how?
The recent surge has increased the competition among my fellow graduates and I. Jobs are harder to find, and there are many more people to compete for the jobs which are available. This in turn could have one of several effects, but ultimately those who get through the barrier will need to be innovative in their approach to job applications and quick on the ball.
Online support for Industrial Designers has been increasing even in the last few years and it’s clearer to see many more bedroom designers out there getting their ideas accross using the unique medium of the internet. Support is growing for designers too, and it seems the UK government are recognising how important it is too!
2. If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Why?
I would still like to be involved within a practical line of work, although possibly something a little more adventurous. How about a professional desert island occupier? I like the idea of building my own hut, caveman stylee!
3. Forget good design; what is great design?
Great design is simplicity, strength, uniformity, innovative. It feels natural to touch and use, and it has a function. I like design with a function. I think it was Charles Eames who said “Who is to say pleasure is not functional” and that’s fair enough.
4. What new or different technique have you used recently to solve a problem?
A rigid paper cup and elastic bands. A window at work only opens a large amount or is closed, so with the simple intervention of elastic bands and a paper cup we made it open half way!
5. What’s on your iPod?
Music, photos and the preliminary files for the Isambard Kingdom Brunel competition entry.
More specifically, Aerosmith, The Arctic Monkeys, 2pac, The Clash and KT Tunstall. Awesome!
6. How did you come to be an industrial designer?
I’m not quite there yet, but eventually it will be through friendly adventurous hard work and innovative thinking techniques. Good education and a broad repertoire of knowledge and experience. I like to think that an Industrial Designer has a broad knowledge and experience in many different things. Once i have more experience, I think then i’ll be able to call myself a real Industrial Designer. Oh, that and a postgraduate degree in Industrial Design.
7. How would you use design to address the aftermath of an earthquake or hurricane?
Practical knowledge, alternative design thinking, hands-on approach.
First of all, will the earthquake happen again? Second of all, if it will happen again, when and is it worth re-building the area? First start with the major nodal points, then think about re-developing the area using local sources. People wouldn’t have just lost their homes but also their jobs so it may be important to create jobs for people whilst building their homes.
8. How would you compare yourself to an architect, engineer or interior designer?
Balanced
I’d like to think that there is a little of each which resides inside me. It’s a technical aptitude, creative intent and organisational thinking kind of thing! I think each one of them can learn a lot from each other, as I can learn from them!
In a more focused answer i might suggest that my thinking and style would be open to a smaller scale environment or products. At the end of the day we’re all selling products and services. It’s an experience thing!
9. What’s your biggest “designer” pet peeve?
Faffing about, ignorance and cheap looking design. Ignorance is a crime. Faffing about annoys me to the extreme, but both of those aren’t really designer peeves!
I guess it really annoys me when people working within the industry come up with products which ignore basic requirements and simple communication. Websites which have poor navigation is a classic and they are everywhere. Although websites aren’t industrial design, they are design and should uphold the reputation of all of us!
10. Make a prediction about the future of design
Simplicity, Integration, Innovation, Widespread, Algorithmic, Software enhanced, Services / Software Driven, Experience.
Just as the businessmen are moving into the design world, designers will flow into the business world. Design education will improve with more concentration on introducing business techniques and ideas into the mainstream earlier on. How useful is good design if you can’t sell it to anyone and it costs more to make than it’s worth?
END
So those are my answers!! Feel free to write your own answers to these questions and link me using the comments box below!! I’d be more than interested to see everyone elses answers!
