Duncan Gotobed

The qualities of good designers

 

Randy Nelson, Dean Pixar University, highlights four key characteristics that people need to demonstrate in the new media age:  

• Depth - be really good at something and show how you have recovered from failure, rather than avoid it
• Breadth - be interested in a broad range of areas and gathered a wealth of experience
• Communication  - be able to talk to people across functions through writing, speaking, feeling and pictures
• Collaboration through improvisation - accept what people have done and build on it

Watch the video

Designing the environment

  

Dan Lockton points out that the sober environment of a law court will prompt (in most people) a different set of behaviours to that of a living room.

It reminded me of a recent visit to the Tate Modern, when I was struck by the amount of thought that had gone into creating the 'right' mood for exhibiting the Rothko paintings.

We often ignore the impact of buildings on behaviour, even if they work against the essence of what we are trying to establish. Creating a learner friendly environment takes effort but it can be done.

Picture: Old Bailey by Weefz

What does design mean to you?

  

Design means different things to different people.

It's used to describe flamboyant decorators like Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen. Innovators, entrepreneurs and marketers such as James Dyson. Fashion makers and/or industry shakers like Steve Jobs.

Within a learning context, design has a functional definition. it's concerned with determining how best to close the gap between what people do and what they should be doing. 

This blog aims to develop a deeper definition of learning design by referencing:

• ‘Real peoples lives’ their needs, values and approaches
• Psychology research on how people think and feel
• Designers who use technology to create better customer experiences
• Beautiful designs that by their very nature works better

"Good design makes people want to do things. It provides emotion. It delivers attraction, delight, comfort, safety, enjoyment, pride, clarity, wow, awe…." Clive Grinyer

The same should go for learning.

Picture: iPhone by William Hook