Poster by François Caspar
Now, more than ever, is the time for design to become paramount in the age of technology. Designers are leading the way to create products and experiences for consumers in all facets of society.
According to an article in the New York Times, “The idea that design can generate profit is now being embraced by venture capitalists, too — that rarefied class known for its relentless focus on the marketplace as the ultimate arbiter of value. The well-regarded Silicon Valley venture firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers raised eyebrows last year by bringing in John Maeda, the former president of the Rhode Island School of Design, as a partner. The firm has noticed more designers starting companies with the help of engineers, rather than the other way around.”
The article goes on to say that design has become like an idea marketplace, with momentum continuing to build. The heyday of the design field may be upon us.
What does that mean for designers? It means that we have more opportunities than ever—and in more areas than before. For example, design has crept into everyday products—and even into the medical community.
The New York Times article states, “The influential MoMA senior architecture and design curator Paola Antonelli believes that one of design’s most important functions is “to help people deal with change.” Her exhibitions have featured projects such as the EyeWriter, a pair of glasses outfitted with eye-tracking technology that lets a user “draw” with his eyes. Created for a paralyzed artist, the product is a collaboration between technologists and designers, and relies on open-source software. It has no commercial ambitions. It’s simply a sharp example of an expressive designed object.”
It’s nice to know that designers can be innovators who can make a real difference in the world—both economically and for the betterment of society in general.
Read the full article: http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/09/22/design-golden-age/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_php=true&_type=blogs&smid=fb-tmagazine&_r=1&