The Mindfully Designed World
I dream of documenting the mindfully designed world.
I see these as examples for a photographic blueprint of the 21st century. I’d like to start with examples of pockets of innovative designs that will inspire, initiate and imitate. Why reinvent the wheel when illustrations of good design are abound and hide in plain sight?
Educated as a socio-cultural technologist one question that has always stuck with me from school is if you imagined recreating the world, and class, race, gender, culture, socio-economic background, or disabilities were all mixed up, how would you design the foundations & ethics of society?
I read. I reread. As a design student no other reading material has made such a lasting impression on me than John Thackara’s book In the Bubble: Designing in a Complex World. He writes about “a world in which well-being is based less on stuff and more on people...in which people are designed back into situations.”
At the heart of In the Bubble is the belief that “ethics and responsibility can inform design decisions” and that in order “to do things differently, we need to perceive things differently.” With my new Lenovo® ThinkPad® W700ds created just for photographers and through the lens of my camera, I’d like to help visually awaken and stimulate this change.
Like in Tokyo, Japan perhaps. Finding “Braille trails” (as I call them)—a sort of "follow the yellow brick road" interpreted for the blind; these bumps allow people to safely and autonomously make their way around the city, from sidewalks to subway platforms. If I had been born blind, I would want to live in this people-centered world. Documenting and sharing such examples of mindful design is what I hope to capture.
22 Comments
Good luck. I voted for your dream. May you find success. Pay it Forward.
Weird idea. Voted for it. Return the favor if you like. My project is on Zimbabwe.
Hey, Deb. Intriguing idea (I used to be an architect and am still an avid design junkie). You've got our PIC. We're trying to donate the $50k prize money to charities across the US. Please check our idea out and support us if you like it. Thanks and good luck!
wonderful thought! You've got my vote.
Good Luck!
Good luck Deb!
Excellent idea. Well done!
Thank you all. To clarify, architecture is only one of the many design forms that will be documented. The economic downturn has drastically reduced travel expenses--which makes it an ideal time for projects that span globally as opposed to site specific. The goal is to map out 7 continents.
Good luck!!
I hope you reach your goal.
I like your idea, check out mine and vote for me if you like it. Its about poverty and society in 3rd world countries and how they are controlled, devastated by their governments and western industrialized nations.
Good Luck :-)
Please check out my idea: http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/richs85/making-peace-with-the-world-peace-corps-at-50/
Insightful thoughts and concepts Debra! Good luck with your dreams and aspirations!
Interesting project - I voted for you - please check out an additional project that I like! http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/richs85/making-peace-with-the-world-peace-corps-at-50/
Best of luck!!!
I love the core concept: photographic documentation of responsible design. Good luck, Deb! from Robert McGinn
I voted for this project but didn't have a chance to leave a comment until now. I'm really inspired by your work and the interdisciplinary approach you've taken. I look forward to hearing about the success you undoubtedly have ahead!
I like this project idea!
love the basis of your project. the "braille rails" are fascinating; i got to see them myself in japan last year. looking forward to see where your vision goes.
You rock Deb; sounds awesome. Good luck!
I love the study of architecture through photography! You're onto something here.
vote for my idea! I'm trying to capture sustainable technology use in the developing world.