One of the points in the design chasm discussion - to me - was to
point out that there indeed are new areas of design and design
expertise where designers could go, if they wanted to and had the
courage and interest to take up the challenge.
maybe, if things go in the direction that you seem to be suggesting,
that becomes more important, if the 'traditional' design becomes a
commodity contribution like you suggest.
And, if those new areas become interesting, then those designers need
to look at design from a new point of view, and develop and
understanding that takes into account many of also the currently a
little alien ideas that were discussed in the design chasm thread.
So, if we can extend our minds to accept that design is a wider
phenomenon than we tend to think in the daily practice, we may also
extend our (and our field's) opportunities in the world.
best, kh
...
At 09:25 -0400 28.7.2003, [log in to unmask] wrote:
>Ken,
>
>Sorry,
>
>have been travelling (a lot) and sent my too strong a message after
>reading the list. Please could you forward your replies as they for some
>reason didn't get through - probably were deleted with a lot of junk email.
>
>Design chasm had evolved into the same old stance - and it ignited the
>original 'turf' passion again - and that's what engendered the weak retort
>about leaving design to the professionals.
>
>On top of this - two recent trips to top design agencies - and
>conversations with professional designers (European) have me convinced
>design as a profession in the west - is about to go down the tubes.
>
>Why?
>
>1. Chinese have come a very long way in design - almost self sufficient -
>will be in two years, (this view was repeated).
>
>2. Design in this environment is total commodity. Like tooling, injection
>molding and assembly it will move offshore.
>
>3. We are training designers for a workplace that will probably shrink by
>90% in 2-5 years.
>
>4. What do we do?
>
>When I use the phrase commercial artists - I mean maybe we (as designers)
>should look more to self expression as a way forward.
>
>If we make beautiful artefacts, interfaces and objects - that hopefully
>appeal - maybe there is life in design.
>
>We are returning to an arts and crafts mode whether we like it or not.
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