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| May 1st , 2006. Issue #15 |
| Summary |
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| ID News |
| Patrick Whitney article in businessweek.com | ||
Here is some food for thought to prepare for the Strategy Conference. Check Patrick Whitney's article "China Needs Design That Sells" in businessweek.com back to top |
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| Strategy 06 will have ID students as speakers! | ||
Doug Look and another student pending to be announced will be speaking at the Strategy Conference 06 next may 17th. Congratulations to them! back to top |
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| engageID to host Strategy '06 Community | ||
The Community will be open to the public for discussion and commenting and will feature live reporting on the speakers and events of the conference from a students' perspective as well as a few specially invited conference attendees. In addition, we will record many of the presentations for podcast, and there will be a constant stream of photos for those who cannot attend. Find the link in the Stategy Conference website soon. |
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| sailID: will IDers sail Lake Michigan? | ||
Attention IDers in love with the sea. We are looking for people
interested in a possible ID sailing club. The idea is to have lessons,
fun sails, racing amongst ourselves, racing against the U of C and
Northwestern. We might get started before the next semester starts and
probably do some sailing before it gets too cold. back to top |
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| Recent events |
| Lecturette: Bill Hill, Metadesign | ||
Last week we were treated to a lecturette from one of ID's own board members, Bill Hill. He gave a great presentation that explained a few of MetaDesign's most interesting recent projects. Rumors were flying all around this presentation. We heard two things in particular: a) that the presentation would be mostly a repeat from previous presentations b) that there would be free beer. We went to find out. It turns out that Bill had requested his speaker's fee be transformed into free beer for attendees, but Nora shot that one down (BOO!). The other rumor was only partly true. Most of the work that he shared was new to us and the repeats were from a very interesting case involving Sony's identity problems. The Sony case illustrated powerfully the importance of a unified brand identity in an increasingly noisy world of media. Two other projects interestingly contrasted the power of planning and intuition in communication design. Be sure to catch Bill next time he is in town. There may be beer, but there will certainly be interesting examples of thoughtful, insightful work. ID students can find video and a .pdf of the presentation on \\temp\insideID thanks to Eric Niu. | ||
| Showcase |
Faculty interview: Jeremy Alexis |
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What is your area of focus for teaching at ID? In Demo, the students work in teams, and then I meet with the teams during class time. I also taught a lecture class this semester, which was primarily me yakking, interspersed with student conversation. What challenges do you see in understanding the link between design and economics? Accountants do not recognize value creation until orders are taken for a new product / service, or the product ships. Designers have likely exited the process well before this point. So, at a basic level, our impact on value creation is hard to quantify. Additionally, you can get into the whole causal / correlated argument about the link between design and shareholder value (are companies successful because they use design well, or do successful companies just use design well, like they use finance and sales well…) The good news is that there are many people attacking this problem right now, and I think that in the next five years we may have it cracked. Most managers and executives will admit that design thinking CAN lead to increased shareholder value, but they see this process as exotic and unreliable. Our challenge is to show how design thinking WILL lead to shareholder value. Can you describe some ways you are trying to improve your curriculum? For me there is the challenge of bringing in new ideas to the school – since I went here, and then worked for Larry and Chris, I think people were naturally skeptical about my ability to bring anything new to the school in terms of methods / skills. That is why it has been important for me to build relationships with firms / people that have previously not worked with ID or even design. So, I am looking to adapt tools like decision analysis and root cause analysis, which have been developed in other fields, to design. This is how we improve the curriculum, by constantly bringing in (and making our own) new ideas. Also, we cannot focus solely on tools. Skills are also important. Using basketball as an analogy, if you focus only on developing new plays (e.g. the pick and roll), but do not work on your shooting, your team will not be successful. So, I am hoping to identify a set of “skills” that all ID students should graduate with – we should be able to articulate these as clearly as we articulate our methods. Most students already exhibit these skills – I am hoping to be more explicit about declaring their value and developing them more fully. Can you tell us about one of your creative outlets, hobbies, or a valuable conference? I am an avid cook / eater – and I like to do both equally (and often). You can learn so much about a culture from their cuisine. I cook about four times a week – recently I have been doing a lot of braising, but as summer comes I will turn to (and turn on) the grill. |
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| If you walk around ID most likely
you will hear an interesting amount of different languages
and even though you can't always understand it, it feels really
nice to have such diversity around. For this issue
we are pleased to launch the first bilingual aritcle appeared
at our newsletter. The always helpful Seung-ho has (almost)
volunteered to help us with this and make this happen. |
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Article: "Is it enough information for potential applicants? |
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English Version
Recently, I have recieved some e-mails from Korean students who are preparing to study abroad, and are interested in ID. They ask me detailed questions about curriculum and value points at ID. Of course, they had visited the ID website and read it all cover to cover, but couldn’t get efficient information. Lost, they sent emails and asked me about this and that, ID professors, students, curriculum and etc. I know ID staff and professors are working hard to inform potential applicants as they prepare for entering ID, but many of them couldn’t get really great chance to experience “ID” throught the normal events, such as open house. Every year, many Korean students who have passion for design apply todesign schools in U.S. However, a large majority apply to only a few schools such as SAIC, PRATT and RISD. ( I know the characteristics of those school are different ID’s ) But because, those school are very familiar to Korean students, they can get detailed information easily from alumni friends. They find out about curriculum, environment and strong points and weak of those school points through a good stock of information. But, unfortunately, the ID website is the chief and only source of information for Korean applicants. Of course, they have to be more active to get information, but where else can they turn?. I don’t want to lay emphasis on only Korean applicants. We get students from all over the world. The big question is how much information
should be offered by ID websites. Also, I wonder whether
the quality of information really satisfies the
applicants' wondering. I am not an information or web professional,
but we know the power of website and how effective a good
one can be at informing people that are so spread out
geographically. I can see how many websites, brochures and
pamphlets are offered for advertising and selling just the
tiny stuff. I don’t want
to see a colorful graphic and fantastic Flash animation on
ID website. However, at the very least, we should think about
the quality and quantity of information which is offered
by ID website based on user needs.
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Adaptive Multimodal
Virtual Learning Environments |
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Adaptive Multimodal Virtual Learning Environments:
From Traditional Practice to Innovation My research examines the specific place of multimodal interaction within the online learning process from a user-centered design perspective (Table 1, Figures 1 and 2). The goal is to conceive innovative online learning experiences through the deep and multi-sided understanding of learners and how they interact with their context, focusing on graduate education. From the observations, it develops actionable insights and extracts patterns of behavior that ground the development of a methodological framework for designing Adaptive Multimodal Learning Environments. The research protocols include: exploratory semi-structured interviews; b) a pilot video-ethnographic study and follow-up interview which contrasts traditional and online classroom interactions, focusing on the instructor-student and student-artifact interaction; c) a video-ethnographic study and follow-up interview contrasting traditional and online classroom interactions and focusing on the learner experience; d) the analysis of different online classroom settings in terms of affordances (physical, sensory, cognitive and functional) for communication and learning; and e) an online survey regarding students perceptions of the technological, communicational and pedagogical affordances of well-known and state-of-the-art technology. back to top |
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| IDers: Past and Present |
| With every newsletter we will try to bring to you a profile of a new ID student as well as one from the past so we have the chance to get to know each other better. Our aim is to reflect how varied and interesting every member of the ID community is and how much we can learn from each other, as well as to bring the whole ID community closer together. If you are interested in being profiled, or know someone who would be willing, drop us a line (e-mail below). |
new IDer: Reiko Takahashi |
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My name is Reiko Takahashi and I am part-time MDM student and I don't know yet when I will graduate. Do I have to tell my age?Well... 35+ years old. I was born and grew up in Tokyo Japan. I have been living in Chicago almost 4 year since summer 2002. From 1999 to 2002, I also lived in Champaign-Urbana, in the middle of corn field of Illinois. I graduated from Musashino Art University, one of the most well-known art university in Japan, and have been a graphic designer for long time since then. Married? Yes. Children? No, but I have two kitties.Politics:No. Religion: No, I believe in the spirit of Zen though.
I went to the AIGA Gain conference in NY in fall of 2004
and attended Patrick Whitney's presentation. I was very
impressed of his talk about user-centered research and thought
the method could be very useful to my work at the multicultural
organization. Then, I found out that ID is conveniently
located in my town Chicago. That's how I end up here in
ID. Genius, very knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. I've been here only 3 months on a part-time basis, but how many times did I wish I could think and talk like those people? I feel very lucky to be in this energetic community to be able to keep myself inspired. What do you think you can bring to the people her at id (culturally, socially,..)? Hum... I can teach Japanese, I can show you Japanese style Karaoke singing, and I can demonstrate tea ceremony. But sorry..., I cannot make sushi.... Is there anything amazing from your culture or where you come from that you think people should not miss? (music, culture,design, food, cities, believes...) Which are the designers or thinkers have impressed you the most lately or you are following now? Ikko Tanaka, the creator of “Muji,” and his sort of successor, Kenya Hara, the current art director of “Muji.” He is now also a professor of the school where I graduated in Japan. Great artist, great thinker, and great mentor. http://www.ndc.co.jp/hara/home_e/ What are the websites you could not live without? http://baby.goo.ne.jp/perl/diaryf.cgi?act=show&cid=1&date=20060416&ssid=886994801368 |
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| new IDer: Suejin Kim |
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My name is Suejin Kim, I am an MDes student in the Product Design track (quite trackless) and I expect to graduate in December 2007. I am 28 years old and I was born in South Korea. I have lived in Masan(my hometown), 8 yrs in Seoul, one and half years in New York, then Chicago 3 months so far. My background is in industrial design. Married? someday hopefully. Children? someday? Politics: anarchist (not violently I just love John Lennon’s lyrics of ‘Imagine’) Religion: … How did you end up at ID? what were your motivations for coming? where
were you working? And what are your first impressions about ID (people, faculty, the
space, the city..)? About the city, I hated the windy winter. When I was living in New York, I thought there was less people than in Seoul. Yeah, I was really surprised that I couldn’t see people which seem ridiculous comparing huge buildings in Chicago. Since the weather got better, now I see people on the street.
What do you think you can bring to the people her at id (culturally, socially,..)? Is there anything amazing from your culture or where
you come from that you think people should not miss? (music,
culture, design, food, cities, believes...) About Food! I’m so exited about trying all different kinds of Korean food this summer. That would be great if we have Korean BBQ night in the future. About Seoul- This is one of the amazing 24 hours-city. 24 hours dinning, clubbing, shopping, and karaoking, and everything. So busy, energetic with lots of young crowd. But you gotta know where to go. Which are the designers or thinkers have impressed you the most lately
or you are following now? What are the websites you could not live without? What kind of activities are you planning to do in your free time in
case you have any while at ID? Is there anything you think everybody should know about you? |
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Old IDer:Ric Edinberg |
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I'm Ric Edinberg. I graduated in 2004 from ID in the Product Design track. Before, I was involved in sculpture, writing and some other"Unique Projects. I did the foundation program (somewhat unwillingly) and now I live and work in Chicago with my wife and, soon, our child (Congratulations!).
What are the skills learned at ID that you use the most in
your
current job/life? What hard times did you have ID, and what got you through them? If you could have changed one thing about
ID while a student, what What was the most valuable class that you
took while at ID? How many nights did you sleep at school? What book are you reading now? Opinions on school romances? What other advice do you have for current
and/or future ID students? |
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| of Interest |
Around Town: Saltaus Restaurant and Linq Lounge |
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Last Friday I ventured with a group of friends to the restaurant Saltaus and upstairs Linq lounge. We had a party of ten. When I first arrived there, I noticed the façade of the building was overlayed with a beige screen-type cloth – interesting – hope it’s weatherproof. When you enter Saltaus you immediately find yourself in a minimalist, open space with warm stretches of wood running the length of the bar. The windows are large which allows you a view of the Sears tower (the restaurant is located along the Randolph street corridor). Very minimalist décor is consistent throughout the space and allows you to focus on the food and your friends. The was tall and very thin – waifee really – to give this trendy appearance of . The waitress started out quite friendly and helpful. She gave us honest suggestions as to preferred wines, appetizers, and entrees. The restaurant describes itself as “easy urban cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian flair.” I split the beef carpaccio as an appetizer, which had a nice delicate flavor and texture. The greens that arrived on top of the very thin slices of raw beef gave a nice balance with the dish. For the entrée, I ordered the rabbit, others ordered dishes such as the lamb burger, wild mushroom risotto, and a stripped bass – my favorite – it had a delicate ginger and miso broth that didn’t overpower the fish. The food was good, not great, and unfortunately, none of the dishes were worth the price tag that came with them - average price of an entree was $25. For the same money, or maybe a dollar or two more, you could venture down the street to Blackbird (also on Randolph – I’ll have to review this one soon!), and it is worth the money. Incidently, I believe the chef at Saltaus came from Blackbird, though it isn’t Paul Kahan who still runs Blackbird’s kitchen. Take a couple more lessons, my friend… I mentioned the service starting strong, but there was an usually long wait between appetizer and entrees. I don’t mind a long leisurely dinner – I love them – but this was going on a half hour between courses! The problem was that the server never really updated or apologized for the delay. Afterwards we went upstairs to the Linq Lounge. Again the space is very minimalist and trendy. It’s great if you’re into that, which our group was looking check out. Two of us went to the bar to grab a drink and were met by a skinny version of “Fabio,” the bartender. He said nothing, looked at us until we decided on our order, and silently went about conjuring up our drinks. I almost fell over with laughter as his “signature move” was to slide the drinks to us across the stainless stell bar - he nearly made all the women in the place gasp and swoon – not really… not at all! So we departed his lair, had our drinks while listening to trendy house and techno music (I don’t think they were allowed to play music that had lyrics) The Linq Lounge is a great space, but it isn’t quite a full fledged bar/lounge. There’s no wait staff – it’s just Fabio at the bar, and he’s tucked away in his corner as if waiting to pounce on his next victim – some 21-year-old who thinks it’s actually sexy to be able to slide a drink over (think cat’s meow). So, overall it was a little disappointing, though it does have some potential, because the space is nice. Cut the price down a bit, improve the service knowledge, and send Fabio back to the cover of the next greatest romance novel, and you might have a place truly worth going to. Saltaus and the Linq Lounge |
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| Observed |
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Humans endagered species? Read this wired article: "Why the future does not need us" by Bill Joy Potential rival Institute? (Check out the Streetlife seminar
page.) Useful list of web applications Daily served trends Inspiration |
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About engageID |
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