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.)

SXSW (...tangential)

hey folks -- wanted to check in to see if any of y'all are heading out to Austin for SXSW. Adam, Daniel and I will all be out there from the 10th through the 16th. if you guys are around, it would be great to meet up! and if you have any panel recos, we'd love to hear them! xx

Embodied cognition and design

a really interesting and insightful article (h/t to gary hustwit) about how something as simple and mundane as a coffee cup can trigger certain emotions, feelings and perceptions about the world around you. and i love the idea that we should be designing things for the human mind (cognitive ergonomics) in an effort (ultimately) to produce "nice" thoughts.

Myth busting

Some good headlines but shaky shaky explanations.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1exLus/www.business-strategy-innovation.com/wordpress/2011/03/5-design-thinking-myths-in-business/