David Kelley: The future of design is human-centered

Exciting Developments in Design at IDEO

Reflections on TED and Design Evolution

• The speaker reflects on the excitement in the design world over the past year, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share insights.

• Reminiscing about early TED events, the speaker notes a focus on technological products and prototypes that elicited awe from audiences.

• Highlights previous innovations like EyeModule 2, emphasizing ongoing commitment to product development.

New Innovations and Human-Centered Design

• Introduction of Treo smartphone as a significant design achievement by IDEO, showcasing their influence in technology.

• Discussion of Heartstream defibrillator's life-saving impact, illustrating IDEO's role in essential health technologies.

• Emphasis on a shift towards human-centered design, focusing on behaviors and personality integration into products.

Advancements in Prototyping Techniques

• Transition from traditional 3-D models to dynamic experience prototypes that demonstrate product usage effectively.

• Formation of internal video-production groups at IDEO to create engaging visual representations of designs.

Case Study: Prada Store Technology

• Presentation of a project for Prada’s New York store where custom technology enhances retail experiences beyond conventional methods.

• Implementation of RF tags throughout the store allows staff to provide personalized information about merchandise seamlessly.

Interactive Experiences in Retail Environments

• Description of dressing room technology that provides customers with detailed information about clothing while trying them on.

Interactive Museum Experiences

Engaging with Interactive Games

• The museum features interactive games designed by Durrell Bishop and Andrew Hirniak, aimed at engaging visitors on topics like male fertility and driverless cars.

• Upon exiting the IMAX theatre, visitors encounter a spacious area with tables for these games, allowing them to understand the subjects before participating.

Aesthetic Elements in Design

• The design includes beautiful visual elements that reach the top of the wall and disperse into bits, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience.

• A video segment from CBS Sunday Morning highlights collaboration with Scott Adams to create an innovative cubicle design.

Redesigning Workspaces: The Ultimate Cubicle

Addressing Cubicle Challenges

• Scott Adams expresses his interest in improving cubicles, recognizing common issues faced by workers in traditional office settings.

• The team builds their own cubicles within an open office space to fully experience and address these challenges.

Innovative Features of New Cubicles

• One proposed cubicle design features walls that serve as screens for personal photos and computer displays.

• Another concept includes walls that provide a "group hug" effect for Dilbert, emphasizing a more human-centric approach to workspace design.

Creating a Pavilion for Water Recycling

Design Goals for the Pavilion

• The pavilion aims to celebrate water recycling at London's Millennium Dome while providing a peaceful environment contrasting with the dome's lively atmosphere.

• Visitors can gather straightforward information about water recycling processes through rotating panels displaying both educational content and views of the recycling plant.

Introducing Spyfish: An Underwater Experience

Overview of Spyfish Technology

• Spyfish is introduced as a revolutionary subaquatic video camera designed by H2Eye, enabling users to explore underwater without getting wet.

• It features two cameras and can dive up to 500 feet deep, providing an immersive experience akin to scuba diving.

User Experience Enhancements

• The interface is designed not to obstruct user experience while allowing full immersion in underwater exploration.

ApproTEC: A Model for Entrepreneurial Success

Introduction to ApproTEC

• DK introduces ApproTEC, a project founded by Dr. Martin Fisher, emphasizing its significance and his personal connection to the founder.

• Dr. Fisher's journey began during a Fulbright in Kenya, where he recognized the potential for entrepreneurship among locals.

Impact of ApproTEC

• Since its inception, ApproTEC has launched 19,000 companies and created 30,000 jobs in Kenya.

• The sales generated by these enterprises contribute to 0.6% of Kenya's GDP, showcasing the project's substantial economic impact.

Innovations and Community Support

• The organization is focused on developing affordable agricultural tools like deep-well manual pumps to help farmers grow crops year-round.

• These innovations aim to empower individuals such as a school teacher who can now afford college for her children due to increased agricultural productivity.

Collaborative Efforts

• Students are involved in designing practical solutions like seed-squeezers and hay-balers as part of their class projects.

• IDEO has contributed pro bono support for these design initiatives, highlighting community collaboration.

Reflections on Design Approach

• DK reflects on the human-centered approach taken in design practices showcased during the session.