summary of the Design Experience.

THE DESIGN EXPERIENCE.
(The role of design and designers in the 21^st century) Mike press and Rachel Cooper.

A book about consumers and products made possible by design and innovation

Norman Potter wrote what is a designer: things, places, messages, and to this day no better exploration has been written. His conclusion,

Design is a value driven activity. A designer is a maker, the designer makes meaning possible, the designer makes their own definition of what it is to be a designer and how to use the distinctive skills, knowledge and thinking of design to find a place a place in the world. Creativity, ingenuity and imagination are increasing in value in today’s economy. Designers are a combination of craft maker, cultural intermediary and opportunistic entrepreneur. They are skilled researchers, life-long learners who know design is about change and knowledge. Designers are also adept communicators who can place their work in context and act as champions for it. Finally designers are active citizens.

Have to activities functional: don’t have to activities stylistic.

Consumption provides meaning, or at least legitimizing the lack of meaning in the modern world. Ours is culture of acquisition, possession and consumer experience. Acquiring stuff is now our number one leisure activity, we spend 6 hours a week shopping, yet only 40minutes playing with our kids.

People’s behavior, rituals and values vary from country to country. Also determined by their habits.

Consumption has driven economic growth and is key sources of meaning and identity, designers help people with this.

Filled with lots of interesting tables, will scan in later.

A designer is an enabler of experience. The object should become transparent and the experience should be important and enjoyable.

Planet earth is fragile! We need to look after it.