Unit X_ REINVENT_REINTERPRET_REMAKE

We started the project with an 'Un- conference' in which we discussed the question:

What is design?

It has been an interesting way to start a project, to think more conceptually and broadly. We mind- mapped different ideas about what design means.

There were lots of different ideas raised and certain key themes seemed to re-occour:

Future proofing_ planning and considering future needs_ design is forward thinking

Purposeful creative problem solving

the Everyday/Everything is designed

Creativity and Innovation

Design can be about can be self expression or to make a statement

It should be playful always

The design could be an experience or event

This last one particularly made me think differently about what design is or how it fits into our lives.

The Un-conference gave a lot of food for thought for the rest of the week in which I attended several of the 'Inspirer Series' talks to begin generating ideas.

"Look at what's going on in the margins, that's where the future is happening."

Dave Haslam gave a great talk on the underground and marginal cultures in Manchester; the importance of DIY and the creativity and imagination that comes from this. This made me think about looking to the city: the hidden corners and alternative viewpoints for inspiration.