Now, see here how we made it…

“It’s certainly possible to have societal impact, but this happens one relationship, one opportunity at a time—and by understanding your customer, your consumer, your stakeholder and really teaming up with them to help them succeed.”

While scientists and engineers may seem very much in love with technology, Antonio says that when you talk to them, their satisfaction generally lies in knowing that their technology is being used for the right purpose. The best technological innovations are always the ones that are anchored in some observation (in the scientist’s or engineer’s environment), or some belief that this technology can do things for the public.

Read the entire article here

I took part in the second edition, today in Utrecht. The Internet of Things, was the topic. First speaker David Lamereis showed us an overview of application of connected devices, from suitcases that follow you to self-driving vehicles.

Rik Arends took the stage after him and explained two of his projects: the interactive Social Sound Machine and a coca cola vending machine. What I took away from Rik’s talk is that software is far from easy to develop… I could not follow him at all when he showed us the flow charts and code of the programs he wrote for the project!

During my talk, I explained that the Internet of Things still requires tangible objects that are close to us: objects that are in the same space – both mentally as well as physically – as we are. I borrowed much from Timo Arnall of the Oslo School of Architecture. Timo teaches and researches design and I believe he hits the nail on its head with his view on the relevance of physical, haptic objects as a way to connect with data. Follow the link!

After the three talks, a workshop took place with all attendants. It was cosy, everyone joined, there were some crazy ideas… I had to leave but during the pitch Rik and David acted as judges… And the winning proposal (up for the final the end of October) was a proposal for smart materials by the guys who also run Blok. Did I get that right?

Thanks guys it was nice to spend a Saturday with you… Let’s keep our fingers crossed now… These initiatives can turn truly great when follow up is determined and with passion!

Rogier van der Heide speaks on Open Innovation, and the impact of teamwork across design disciplines. See it Live!

Other speakers include Marian Salzman, trend forecaster and CEO of EURO RSCG, Susan Athey, Professor at Harvard University on “The New Titans of the Innovation Economy” and Zhao Gang, Chief Strategist, Chinese Academy for Science and Technology who will speak about Global Partnerships.

Find out more and register here, and download the entire program here

Queen Beatrix opened the Museum that has been designed by Architects Benthem Crouwel, with a lighting design by Rogier van der Heide et al, at that time working at Arup.

See more details about the project here.

See the educational program here (in Russian, use Google Translate to get the picture) and register at the bottom of the page to secure your seat!