November 2, 2007 • 11:29 pm
Ben Terrett of UK based design studio, The Design Conspiracy and founder of Noisy Decent Graphics, recently posted an interesting article covering his recent talk at Campaign Magazine’s Applied Green Conference. Terrett discusses his thoughts on how valuable design thinking is and should be, in tackling the world’s greatest challenges.
Someone with a designer’s brain can spot these problems and can go about solving them. Someone with a designer’s brain can be invaluable in the fight against climate change. I keep having this thought that the best design minds in history would see Climate Change as amazing opportunity. Don’t you get the feeling Da Vinci could have knocked up an alternative fuel in his spare time? (Ben Terrett)
Marvellous commentary Ben. I really wish, as a design thinker, I was used better. Read the full article here.
Filed under: On Graphic Design
Bringing Graphic Design back to its roots and creativity, Princeton Architectural Press launched D.I.Y. Kids in October 2007, a book by Ellen and Julia Lupton. Beautifully illustrated with “real artwork by real children”, D.I.Y. Kids engages young people in making stuff, from binding their own books, sewing their own clothes, making stickers, logos, clothespin dolls, box buildings, graffiti furniture, ribbon accessories, and many more projects. What a fab way to get our kids creative, whilst recycling!! Each project is explained with step-by-step instructions and colorful photographs of great designs and the kids who made them. The activities—rated by difficulty, time, mess, and cost—are intended for ages 7–12, but can easily be modified to suit all ages.
“D.I.Y. Kids aims to trigger imaginative play, without requiring fees, teams, or a minivan. It’s for parents, teachers, aunts and uncles, friends and baby-sitters, neighbors and citizens – anyone who wants to create a better world not only for, but also with, the next generation. Most of all, it’s for kids who want to make their mark (and make a difference) by exercising the arts of design with wit, intelligence, and style.” – Ellen and Julia Lupton
+ D.I.Y KIDS+ Princeton Architectural Press $14.95
+ Amazon.com $10.17
Filed under: On Education, On Graphic Design, On Research , Book, Creative Intelligence, Creativity, D.I.Y Kids, Design, Ellen Lupton, Julia Lupton, learning
The World Wildlife Federation advertising campaigns consistently utilize their existing surroundings very well.
Here is the latest example of their campaign ads, using a paper dispenser with South America cut out, and green foil to tint your view… “clearly conveying that with every piece of paper you take, you’re taking away from the greenness of South America. How multisensory and engaging beyond a simple sticker/poster.” (NotCot.com)
The second example is an amazing use of shadows on a billboard, demonstrating rising water levels. Click here for a Youtube video of the billboard in action. Both ads are designed by the prestigious Denmark based Saatchi and Saatchi.
Filed under: On Graphic Design
With a people-centric design ethos, I never fail to be inspired by the contemporary outputs of London based Design Studio WIRE.
Founded in 1997, by John Corcoran, Peter Higgins and Tim Higgins, WIRE operates around the philosophy “to make a positive difference by changing the way people think and act”. The work tackles complex issues such as sustainable development, regeneration, inclusive design, community engagement, health, young people, music and the arts. See some more of their work over on Anamorphosis.
Filed under: On Graphic Design
I came across a PODCAST mp3 from London’s Design Museum this month. The podcast covers an event entitiled FEEDBACK, held on 9th February earlier this year, which discussed the work of the late Graphic talent, Alan Fletcher, and “explored the history, working practice and achievements of pioneering design organisation Pentagram,” which Alan Fletcher co-founded.
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Filed under: On Social Design
November 1, 2007 • 1:19 pm
