Gaining a New Perspective

Last week, Rule29 had the opportunity to attend AIGA’s Gain: Design for Social Value Conference in San Francisco.

Being surrounded by some of today’s best design thinkers working to truly change the world was inspiring to say the least. Change can happen in third-world countries across the globe, or it can happen across the street from the office. A major theme throughout the conference was that design thinkers are uniquely equipped to find solutions for social and humanitarian issues.

Some presentations that inspired us most were about Project H from Emily Pilloton, about the intersection of social and business value from Robert Fabricant, and about creativity being capital by Ravi Naidoo.

Justin had the privilege of presenting the value of experiencing wonder in our everyday world. Justin’s perspective was that the key to creating social value is not being an “above average” person. The key is to take the time; to create the space – to SEE your fellow human beings. Experiencing the wonder of everyday life and beauty and tension is the only true catalyst for lasting change.

So, designers, create a moment in your everyday to see the wonder of what’s around you. Whether you are an army of designers or an army of one, you have the power to be the change.

Here are some highlights in image form:

^ Universal design brief from Susana Rodriguez de Tembleque

^ A wonder-full sketch from @fabtweet 

^ Justin takes the stage

^ Feeling like you’re average doesn’t matter

^ Four qualities to embrace