Exclusivity. Deep down we all seek it. Think back to high school or earlier, where being a part of the cool kids group meant everything. Fraternities at major universities operate, and thrive on this principal of perceived ‘coolness.’
In designing this desire to be number one, focus can become skewed, research used ineffectively, short cuts taken, resulting in, shall we say, less than desirable results.
The past 20 years has seen a dramatic shift in the global economy and the way in which consumers view themselves and the way in which business views the consumer. Companies and designers have reacted to this new hybrid consumer who is accustomed to customization. Andrej Kupetz explores the origins of this “de-segmentation” of the global market place as well as the designer’s individual role and new responsibilities in the 2.0 econom y.
The relationship between customers and design has changed. In this article about the changing landscape of design and its rela- tionship to customers Ira Kauffman discusses methods for design and designers to listen to their end-users’ desires in order to help build better brands, better design solutions and more sustainable practices through social media.
Steve Masterson, COO of Kiska, discusses the need to balance the desires of designers with the desires of consumers and our environment. Masterson offers a brief history of product design and speaks to its ability to create desire in consumers. He emphasizes the need for organizations to marry their business and design strategies in an effective, sustainable, and eco-conscious manner.
This Friday, November 5th, CATALYST team members Kevin Rorick and Adam Zoltowski along with Founding Member Erin (Weber) Skurdal, and Design Management Program Director Mary McBride will present a panel discussion on strategic designs role in defining and providing the foundation for The 'Good Life'.
