Where is everybody?

is there a standing definition of the term "design sensibilities"?

Art/Design & Ephemerality

I've long been a fan of Shinichi Maruyama and his water sculptures. I think his work is a fascinating interpretation of "sculpture" and photography. At its core, he is taking something that lacks permanence (the movement of water) and then captures it via photography -- an act that solidifies the permanence of the event, that whole notion of "This event happened. I was there for it."

I know this doesn't quite fall into design thinking, but it got me thinking about the question of permanence in design and art (Valencia's Las Falles also comes to mind). How do we build permanence into modern design? Is there space for it in online and/or social media?

Happiness Through Design

So, apparently I've got this whole design-happiness connection on the brain, but I just came across Don Norman's TED talk on design and thought it was worth sharing. Design > functionality?

AIGA is launching a campaign called 'Design for Good', encouraging designers to give 5% of their time to pro boon causes. The article is a little scattered, but refers to their advocacy of a broader definition of 'design', and it's relevance in business + government.

This measured article from Helen Walters is among the best I've read for giving a sober assessment of design thinking and its evolving place in business.

Great takeaway: it's not either-or. "This is about the need for analysis and synthesis."

Also, she took the time to make nice section headings, which are reproduced here for color.

Criticism and Response

Two pieces from Fast Company Design: one attacking the idea of user-centered innovation, the other defending it.

• The attack: User-led innovation is a farce. User insights can't make breakthroughs or predict future demand. Great brands must lead. (Link)
• The response: It's not about asking users what they want. It's about becoming them. (Link.)