Event: AIGA Student Portfolio Forum 19

by March 29, 2007

On Saturday, March 31, 2007 I’ll be speaking at the 2007 AIGA Student Portfolio Forum 19 in Wichita, Kansas. Here's a summary of the presentation I'll be giving:


The Shifting Role of Design

In an increasing number of companies, the role of design is changing from mere styling to a core ingredient of product strategy and innovation. But what's behind this shift? Why are the designers who were previously asked just to "make things pretty" being invited to the corporate strategy table?

To answer this question, I'll discuss the impact recent technology and market changes have had on the role of design within modern companies. In particular, the decreasing gap between ideas and their implementation, the increasing rate of commoditization driven by shorter product lifecycles, globalization, and cheaper manufacturing, the always-on availability of massive data sources, and the growing ability of consumers to absorb and enjoy increasingly complex media and user interfaces.

Looking forward to seeing some of you there!