Journal 6: What Inspires Us/What Problems Face Us

Jessica Helfand:

Inspiration:Her students inspire her the most because they are always changing and growing and looking the world in a new way. They stay on top of what matters the most in design. The benefit of teaching is because they teach her.

Problem: THe degree to which we are myopic. We only look at problems when they are in front of us, we need to develop longer range vision. We look too narrow, not globally enough. Thinking needs to be better, more expansive. In the future, students must learn to be more versatile and ready for new challenges.

Ami Kealoha

Inspiration: Looking at rubber band ball is a way to find inspiration because of they are so different yet similar things. They are versatile and able to do many thing. Simple, multiple uses, and practical.

Problem: Pollution of light and other things is a big problem because it is becoming a big problem. The assault on your senses is overpowering and needs to be addressed. Also, basic human necessities like medicine and water are a problem for designers.

Daniel Pink

Inspire: Hard to say because there are so many. But, he says eraser. Because it lets you clean mistakes. Not just the rubber eraser, but even digital erasers. The ability to change a mistake, to erase, means you can also create.

Problems: Systems are biggest problem. Moving away from individual items. We need to systemize things. For instance, healthcare is being addressed as an engineering problem. We are trying to optimise systems that are outdated instead of replacing them all together. The complete overhaul of crappy systems needs to be a big goal for us as designers and members of society. Prevention should be the key, not intervention when it comes to dealing with systems.

Deborah Adler

Inspire: The Pieta in Rome, by Michelangelo. Saw first in Italy, the emotion was overwhelming and she looked at it for like an hour. There is a deep connection between the designer and the peace. She has a deep empathy for Mary as she holds the recently deceased Jesus. She went back to Italy and saw it again, and she wondered how she would react to it, and after 14 years it was still as pwerful

Problem: Designers strengths should not be defined by aesthetic or style. It should be based on the heart of the design and how the design can meet certain needs. Having a love affair of the audience is very important. If you can accept the first part then the second part becomes irrelevant. The habit of thinking of someone's problems will help lead one to better design. When your work springs from the desire to solve a problem, then you will be more successful.

Freeman Mau:

Inspire: The poster that was designed by his partner 30 Years AGO. It was about chinese calligraphy and typography. The poster was for studio 11. This was the moment he became a graphic designer.

Problem: The problem is to make a choice. The designers in hong kong, china or asia are facing a drastic change; the economic growth each year is huge. In 15 years there will be more than 200 cities. With More than 1 billion people. They have the option to move wherever they want. The hard part is deciding where they want to jump in and make their mark in this giant and growing society.