Virtuosa at Design Indaba 2010
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Creative Director Bryce Hancock had the privilege of attending this year’s Design Indaba. |
Upon his return we got some firsthand feedback from him about his thoughts on the event and some of the highlights.
So how would you describe your first experience at the Design Indaba?
BH: For me personally, the diversity of speakers was really good, encompassing most creative sectors - advertising, graphic design, film, fashion design, industrial design, architecture, performing arts etc. Overall the exposure to different creative thinkers opened my eyes to other design ideas and approaches. It was good to hear from designers that have faced similar problems to what we have but have found different solutions.
Which of the speakers did you find the most inspiring and why?
BH: I would have to say the inspirational team of designers at Troika. They presented some fascinating case studies of design challenges they have faced and overcome. I really enjoyed their unique approach to design and how they are constantly looking for alternative ways of doing things. One of the examples I found very interesting was their world clock situated at Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 -"All the time in the World". This world clock uses a very different approach to the conventional world clock that normally displays only well-known capital cities, this clock allows people to view times at more interesting destinations like "The world’s longest river", "The world’s highest mountain" etc.
Which of the speakers did you enjoy the most?
BH:The great team of Thierry Cassuto and Zapiro who spoke to the audience about ZA News. This is a very controversial series that has managed to gather a huge following online. This talk also featured a special live guest appearance by Madiba and Bishop Tutu (ZA News puppets) whose hilarious interaction with the audience left everyone in stitches.
Any other highlights for you?
BH: There were so many interesting speakers, it’s hard to single out any, but a couple that really stood out for me were:
- Stefan G Bucher - Graphic designer, writer and illustrator.
Stefan is a rather eccentric and slightly wacky designer that clearly has a huge passion for his work. For 100 days Stefan filmed himself drawing a new monster every night based on random ink blots, and quickly created a large online following that eagerly await his next Daily Monster.
- Alejandro Aravena
One of the most thought-provoking speakers at the Indaba spoke about his “do-tank” (as opposed to “think-tank”) and their involvement in a groundbreaking social housing project in Chile called Elemental that has revolutionized the approach to low income housing.
- Li Edelkoort, a world famous trend researcher spoke about up and coming global trends and finished with an interesting take on the “Bordello” of the future.
What did you think of the Design Expo and exhibits?
BH: I found it interesting, there was obviously a big mix of exhibitors, everything from chandeliers made from recycled waste to paper mache dolls to beautifully designed and sculptured everyday household products. I especially enjoyed the section showcasing young up and coming designers.
Word on the street is Martha Stewart wasn’t a great success, your thoughts?
I am not really a Martha Stewart follower but there was so much hype about her attending the Indaba that I thought it might be worthwhile. Unfortunately she spent the entire time promoting her Martha Stewart Empire, all her magazines, her TV shows, her online presence, her glitter business.... blah blah...... yawn! In fact throughout the rest of the event other speakers didn’t hesitate to have a dig at her.
Would you be back next year?
Definitely, I think it’s a great platform to showcase everything that design has to offer. It give you a new perspective and other peoples work offers inspiration that you can take home and use again in your own work.
