TOPICS Series.GLOBAL EYES ON DESIGN from America
Role of Design & Growing Talent in a Rapidly Changing Auto Industry-The Front Lines of American Design Education
Exclusive Interview with CCS!
Recently, the auto industry has been
undergoing many changes including business models with the entry into new industry sectors with keywords such as “autonomous vehicles, connectivity and electrification.” In the case of designers as well, in what way should their roles change? Preparation for training talent is certainly a pressing theme. This issue, we had the opportunity to
interview the Provost and Vice President of the College for Creative Studies in America, Mr. Sooshin Choi.
How will the role of designers
evolve in terms of “autonomous
vehicles, connected cars,
electrification?” What won’t change?
I don’t think it will change very much in terms of the big picture. Rather, the importance of “humanity” will grow even more. Technology strives to make human lives more convenient, but that may lead to a “loss of humanity” as a side effect.
Designers must always be thinking about the impact on human beings. “Technology for Humanity” – This will become extremely critical in an “Autonomous vehicle, Connected, Electrified” society. As for things that will not change, I think I should talk about what the definition of design is. I believe that good design possesses 3 aspects: Logic, Magic, and Music. Logic is fulfilling the product’s purpose and function. Magic is delivering happy surprises to users. Music is making meaningful impact to human being’s lifestyles or society.
