Looking to the past to find the future

Admittedly, I am too busy and stubborn to look back at what has happened in my life most of the time, but it is an important trait, especially in the field of design. Reflection is all about looking back on what has happened in the past, to guide ourselves in the right direction for the future. In times like these with the world at its knees, it is quite comforting to reflect on the past and look at what the future holds. It might be because of boredom, but during this isolation period, I have pondered what the future of design is going to look like, especially amid an epidemic. I have already discussed my passion for design and how I stumbled across it, but something equally interesting is the future of the design industry and what it may look like in the next ten years. 

Something that the Head of Design at the University of Auckland, Deb Polson, has talked about lots in some of her lectures is the nature of employment opportunities and how they are ever changing. Lots of people underestimate design and the power it possesses, but as technologies like AR and VR have evolved, the world has woken up to the reality that design is the future. According to entrepreneur.com, employers are searching for 'problem solvers' and 'design thinkers', which goes to show how valuable a design degree might prove to be in the future. (Asfour, H. 2018). Having a frame of mind focussed around problem solving will be advantageous going into the future with so many problems in the world already. Hearing Deb speak in our lectures woke me up to the world we live in and how I am going to make my way as a designer. 

Looking back through my years at school, I hadn't considered design as a career option until I was 17. Reflecting on my decision, I think when compared to other disciplines like law or health, design will always have a niche that is unique and will interest me. Along with this, there is always a problem to solve, which is what gives many designers satisfaction. At the moment, it is hard to plan out the next ten years of my life, but I am happy with the way I am tracking as a designer. It is encouraging to have a design field of interest settled but to grow as a designer; I need to step into a learning zone, something that is difficult for some. Experimentation with other design methodologies and fields is something I wish to do during my study to become 'a well rounded designer'. As a 'traditional' designer, I am used to hands on work and conventional ways of thinking, but to evolve, I must open my horizons. Exposing myself to different fields like UX, digital design and strategic design might unearth a new passion for me while adding to my design arsenal.

#des100 #futureofdesign

Hani Asfour (2018) Five Design Jobs of the Future. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/314916