Design is the Problem?

Photo: www.greenmediaconference.com

Nathan Shedroff is the author of many books including the new book, Design is the Problem. I recently had the fortune of getting to see Mr. Shedroff give a guest lecture about his views of the future of design and how the the design students of today must acknowledge the problems of current design.

The impact of design is huge. Everything that we created, that is designed, ends up in the world. This, of course, affects the amount of "stuff" in the world. In essence what Shedroff is trying to communicate is the need for conscientious design. No longer can we ethically create whatever we want, however we want, and put it out on the marketplace. As designers we need to take a long hard look at our work and think about the complete impact that our product has.Also he pushes the concept that the future of design lies not only in the creation of objects, graphics, or spaces but it the creation of new ideas, systems, and plans. As designers we are trained in a unique way of looking at the world. This skill set and worldview that we have functions to makes us an indispensable resource to the future.

Photo: www.rosenfeldmedia.com 

A wordle genererated from the text of Design is the problem

Shedroff gives examples of well and poorly designed systems, and how design has its part in this. The overall presentation is well planned. It lays out Shrdroff's arguments simply, allowing him to verbal embellish the ideas that he is presenting. The graphics are clean and well organized and work to draw the viewer into the work, forcing them to engage with what Shedroff if saying. He provides many different ways to look at and take on the future of design.

I was impressed with Shedroff's presentation, and it has me thinking about my future impact on the world. He managed to remain not only extremely informative but really engaging and entertaining, I am defiantly considering buying this book.

PS check out Shedroff site here for more info and news about the author and download friendly versions of his various pretensions. Also check out his really neat League of Nathans shirt.