IDSA Goes to RISD

18 May IDSA Goes to RISD

Posted at 13:30h in News by Key Tech

Talking to the RISD sophomores. Photo Credit: Jeremy Savage

Every year, Industrial Designers come together for one weekend to attend the regional IDSA (Industrial Design Society of America) conference. This year, the North East chapter was held at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence Rhode Island, and Jeremy Savage and I made the trip.

In addition to the IDSA event, Jeremy and I were asked to give a talk to the RISD sophomore industrial design class. The first part of the talk focused on life as a designer at Key Tech and how integration is crucial in the product development cycle. The second half of the presentation consisted of a sketching demonstration in which techniques and tips were projected live in front of the audience. The talk finished with a Q&A session, and a tour of several of the advanced studios.

Attendees at the IDSA conference are made up of both students and professionals. The weekend is planned around several speakers, mixers, and workshops. This year’s theme was “Design 4 Humans” and the talks discussed the role of design in our modern world. The keynote speakers were RISD’s John Maeda, and MNML’s Scott Wilson; their discussions ranged from design education, and design entrepreneurship respectively. Other talks were held by Smart Design, Altitude, and Ximedica. Topics ranged from the integration of design and business, talking about design with non designers, and designing in context. It was inspiring to hear the message of the presenters was consistent with our mission as designers at Key Tech.

There were also several workshops which showcased new software, as well as mixers where both professionals and students could meet. The weekend culminated at a gala event held at Ximedica and featured music, food, and lots of Narragansett.

Overall it was a great weekend and a great experience for two of Key Tech’s designers.