There are those who think design can change there world, and of course, those who don’t. Often missing from this discussion are those who’ve noted a change has already occurred. Now, I’m not talking world peace or any of that business. Instead I’m referring to the way things are done in our society as a whole—how you are reading this, for instance. Information, communication, and social interaction have changed immensely due to the glowing little box you’re staring into now.
We’re not just talking computers here, phones, PDAs, automobiles, refrigerators—yes you heard right, refrigerators—every device has growing potential to use technology to accommodate our changing needs. Newer, less intimidating, more functional devices and software are put together as seamlessly as possible to make things easier. To anticipate the changing population. Thinking about all of this is enough to make my techno-fearing brain hurt. Explaining it? That’s enough for a meltdown.
Enter: Jenny Lam of Microsoft, and Mark Ligameri of Frog interactive. In early spring the unlikely duo came together at a podium in front of Portfolio Center’s student body to discuss their respective labors of love. Since the pair shared projects at Microsoft they’ve shared a common understanding. Staying ahead of user expectations is tricky when projects can take close to a decade to come to fruition. It is a time of technological change and they embrace the challenge while discussing what the future will be like--with a twinkle in their eyes.
When explaining what they do, the pair are quick to point out that most people interact with software more than anything else. This is ironic when you consider the number of designers who think only of doing print after school. Jenny admitted to being among this group, until an interview with Microsoft straight out of school led her down another path. A path that put her on a team to redesign the Microsoft user interface (a project 7 years + in the making). Not too shabby.
From the nods and grumbles in the crowd as Mark and Jenny went through their presentation, it appeared that the poster-loving, bookmaking
students of PC were imagining, some for the first time, how the computers and programs they use, and even that cell phone that interrupted the presentation, impacted society. This young group of up-and-comers shifted slightly from the celebrated position of thought outside the box by creative freedom inside of it. Mark explained that you simply have to dream it up, and then someone else makes it work. (Bet coders love to hear that.) I saw a lot of head scratching after that comment.
Portfolio Center students share a strong desire to communicate ideas, the willingness to let go of preconceived notions, and the compulsion to learn new ways of thinking. These qualities are fostered by the school’s constant stream of industry bigwigs, who bring their varied and colorful perspectives from all over the country. These creatives, who are always generous with their time and energy, tend to hang out with students, conducting informal workshops and continuing the day’s discussions over dinner. Often, what results are provocative interviews—written, shot, and designed by PC students.
