Digital Tools and Design Voodoo: The Visual, the Virtual and the Meaningful

Last month we were invited to speak at Breather, a conference encouraging interdisciplinary design discourse within the creative community. Had a great time in the sessions and between sessions as well, with other speakers including folks from Milliken, SCAD Savannah and Imaginary Forces which creates film titles, commercials, virtual destinations and more.

Only a few years ago, design imagination was limited by the practicalities of physical production. But today's technologies can help create elbow room for creativity, by serving as tools that expand rather than limit possibility.

Architects, interior designers and product designers are moving away from old processes that build prototypes and demos (to save money) toward improved processes that create platforms around core models (for increased and replicable revenue). And digital tools are one step ahead, opening up new doors into the marketplace.

Using examples and case studies from design, technology and manufacturing companies, we showed that the glory of these advances lies not in the technology itself, but in opening up meaningful experiences for designers, end users and the way we do business. The new design imagination breaks old assumptions and utilizes constantly developing tools to embrace - and advance - change for the better.

Hendrix Honored by AIGA

Michael Hendrix, founder of Tricycle and former chief brand officer and creative director, was honored at last month's AIGA Design Legends Gala. Prior to his move to Boston to become a senior designer at IDEO, he was named an AIGA Design Fellow by our local chapter. He joins other designers that have been recognized as making a significant contribution to design in both their regional design community and their local chapter. Check out his profile on the AIGA site here. Congrats Michael!

Close the Gap and Vote

Cameron Sinclair of Architecture for Humanity is featured in GAP Inc.'s new "Vote" initiative. The online PSA features videos of celebrities and other well-known public figures that express what they are voting for. A complement to the videos is the classic white GAP t-shirt that leaves a space open for the wearer to write what they are voting for. The shirts will available in-store and online during the month of October.

GAP has also teamed with Facebook on the initiative to provide pieces of flair (always makes me think of Office Space) to place on your profile. Singer/songwriter Matt White is touring the country in support of the initiative with discounts on GAP purchases and a chance to get a free "Vote for Love" t-shirt.