I’ve been honestly amazed at most designers’ lack of knowledge about rapid manufacturing techniques; especially since the technology opens up so many possibilities for the future of the design profession. I read all this stuff about “Design Thinking” and how “business needs to listen to (industrial) designers”, yet I don’t see much reason for them to take the people in the profession seriously. Most designers, frankly, aren’t very well educated in the systems and methodologies favored by corporations. Many designers barely have an understanding of the basic science and engineering that makes many of their designs possible. Yet the indignation among the design community is palpable. And for me, at least, it can reach embarrassing levels. So much so I find myself distancing myself from it.
An interesting thread by csven with a lot of discussion about rapid manufacturing techniques, mass customization, and more! Read and join the discussion here
1 response so far ↓
1 Sargheve // Apr 18, 2008 at 1:44 PM
Hi Waikit,
Pretty well written!! I totally agree with you. In today’s paradigm the whole idea of being a facilitator (one who could integrate technology, design and business for an end user) somehow tends to be lost in the process of becoming the ‘DESIGNER’. I firmly believe that its very important that the designer should be an engineer at brain to drive his designs from heart. The design process becomes smooth and enjoyable once you know how to get things done equally at the technology front as in the design front. After all being a good designer has a lot to do with owning a great receptivity and using the right processor to process information.
Sargheve
Sr. Industrial Designer
New Delhi, India
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