Lauren and Kate are both extremely savvy social networkers and have been exploiting the tools available to them to generate a global reputation in the design world. Please check out both of their blogs to get some really interesting posts.
The presentation was well attended by both tutors and pupils (Unbox Design of course being present) showing the interest that this topic is currently provoking in the design society.The talk opened with the quote, “For the designer to become a producer, she must have the skills to begin directing content, by critically navigating the social, aesthetic, and technological systems across which communications flow.” (Ellen Lupton, 1998). This set the scene and led on to the really interesting and thought provoking talk. An example of digital social networking was even incorporated live into the presentation, with Kate commenting live from London via video conferencing, and Jonathan Baldwin regularly updating Twitter with key points.
I found it really interesting how both of the presenters had met online before ever working with each other, and both had many contacts that they regularly talked to online, but who had never, and probably would never meet. Indeed, although Lauren graduated from Product Design last year, I had never met her before other than on her blog. Not really sure what this means, but interesting.
In the talk, it was shown how the computer is no longer just a production tool for the designer, but is providing a crucial new way of fulfilling the necessity of communication we have to perform. Communication with other designers, clients, other disciplines etc. The role and perception of the designer is radically changing. There has been a move away from the traditional idea of the "eureka moment" experienced and more emphasis put on the design process, and realisation of the importance of co-creation and interdisciplinary working.
Another key issue raised was questioning how these social networking tools can be used for education and learning? I personally feel that the structure of education system needs to be altered to be less top down teaching, and increased peer and bottom up learning. Can these tools aid a teacher, or even replace one? Someone once said that if a teacher is able to be replaced by a machine then perhaps they should! This of course commenting on the skills and requirements needed to be a good educator rather than the benefits of computers. Even if these tools can help teachers, surely it hugely depends on the personality and enthusiasm of the teacher and the context. There is a brilliant TED Talk on this topic by Sugata Mitra.
The most interesting point I took from this though was the different generational views not just on the technology used, but on the content. Members of staff who had experienced life in the pre-digital where concerned about the lack of privacy and anonymity that is available. Whereas students felt this to be less of a concern. Once we put something up on the Internet, it becomes available for all to see, and therefore we become available to be judged and scrutinised on our personal lives and thoughts possibly intended only to be seen by certain people. It is a strange thought to be being viewed in other people's photos, or our comments herd by complete strangers. This is surely an area that needs to be developed. Professor Mike Press talked of the need for Grown Up Digital, and the cultural and political differences that made this form of communication unsuitable for some.
In conclusion, a really inspiring talk, and great to see young graduates doing so well-gives us something to aim for!
If you have any thoughts on the use of social networking in society please leave a comment.
To watch the presentation go to http://vimeo.com/3363097 look out for a brief appearance from Unbox at the end.
P
Hi Paddy, Thank you so much for this feedback! Amazing to hear your insights. It was great to see the Unbox team in the audience. Your question really got me thinking :)
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