One of the problems of working in the knowledge economy is the constant need to keep abreast of current trends and thinking. This would be fine if you worked in a mature industry or one with a limited number of books, papers and conferences appearing each year. However in the knowledge economy of the web, more information is being published every day than could be consumed in a year. What's more, that pace is increasing.
As a self confirmed conference junkie I speak at a dozen events each year, and attend many more. As such I've probably seen close to a thousand talks over the last five years. Because of this I've got a pretty good idea what makes for an exciting talk and how you can guarantee your session will suck. As somebody who also organises two conferences, "UX London":http://uxlondon.com and "dConstruct":http://dconstruct.org I'm really keen on getting new talent into the speaking circuit while still maintaining quality. As such I've put together a quick guide to help both new and experienced speakers kick arse/ass. Most of these tips aren't new, but you'll be surprised how few people actually follow them. However if you do, you'll be well on your way to being the next Jeff Veen, Jared Spool or Jason Santa Maria.
Yesterday I documented my thoughts and observations on the standard of digital design education. From talking to current and recent students I've shared their frustrations as they bemoan being taught out-of-date technologies by lecturers far removed from the daily practices of design. Through visiting degree show I've witnessed a slew of substandard work caused by an over reliance of tool based education and a lack of design thinking ( If I witness one more Flash portfolio in the shape of a designers studio I think I'm going to cry.) So where does this problem arise from and what can be done?
A couple of weeks ago Wired Sussex invited me to a debate on the standard of design education in the UK. Being a topic incredibly close to my heart I literally jumped at the chance to participate. In order to create a sense of drama, the event pitted three designers against three educators in a heated and passionate discussion on the quality of design education in our industry.
After trying to convince us that we're "funding terrorism":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wssfl22Hhp4, "equating us to petty thieves":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5SmrHNWhak and "calling us cheapskates":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TbqBPmInjQ, the UK film and TV industry have decided to take "a more positive response":http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/sep/07/anti-piracy-campaign-bill-filesharing. I'm surprised it's taken them so long to realise "people see the weakness in their arguments":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBJRoPgex8E and that "their actions may actually be having the reverse affect":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRVHUbrbEUA.
Somebody contacts you out of the blue, possibly through a friend or from an advert you posted on a dating site, interested in meeting up for a drink and possibly more. They like what they've seen so far, but before telling you about themselves, they want a little more information. It's noting big and perfectly normal. They just want a copy of your passport, your last quarter bank statement and the phone numbers of your past couple of dates. Oh, and could you sign this contract agreeing with my standard date conditions assuming I chose to go out with you.