The Role of Curators in the Evolution of Design and Innovation

The Role of Curators in the Evolution of Design and Innovation

In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves becoming accustomed to the everyday things around us. Our brains habituate to these objects and experiences, allowing us to focus on new information and learn about new things. However, this habituation can sometimes prevent us from noticing the problems that exist in our surroundings. This is where the role of a product designer becomes crucial - to see these everyday things, feel them, and find ways to improve upon them.

Tony Fadell, a renowned product designer, emphasizes the importance of looking broader when tackling a problem. Oftentimes, there are multiple steps that lead up to a problem, and by taking a step back and examining the bigger picture, we can identify areas where improvements can be made. By combining or removing certain elements, we can make the overall experience better. This concept of looking broader can be applied not only to product design but also to various aspects of our lives. By zooming out and considering the larger context, we can find innovative solutions to complex problems.

On the other hand, Fadell also advises us to look closer. By focusing on the tiniest details, we can identify elements that may not be essential or may have been done a certain way simply because "that's how it's always been done." By questioning the importance of these details, we open ourselves up to the possibility of finding better alternatives. This attention to detail is crucial in the design process as it allows us to create products and experiences that are refined and optimized to meet the needs of users.

Interestingly, Fadell suggests that we should think younger. Children, who haven't been exposed to certain things for long enough to habituate to them, often approach problems with fresh perspectives. They immediately try to solve problems they encounter, often finding innovative and creative solutions. This insight aligns with the idea that innovation often comes from younger individuals or those from different domains. Their unique perspectives and frameworks enable them to see problems from a fresh angle. Incorporating young minds into our teams can encourage everyone in the room to think younger and foster a culture of innovation.

This concept of thinking younger also resonates with the notion of the curation economy. In the realm of information commerce, social curators play a crucial role. They discover, organize, and share relevant content from around the web, investing in the integrity and vibrancy of their nicheworks. Platforms like Storify, Curated.by, Scoop.it, Pearltrees, and Paper.li empower curators to not only repackage and disseminate information but also create captivating and engaging formats. By curating content, these individuals become social objects that spark conversations and reactions, extending the reach of the original content.

Curators, like product designers, bridge the gap between creation and consumption. They curate content in a way that adds value to their nicheworks and strengthens the relationships within them. By curating information and sharing it in unique and interesting ways, they contribute to the evolution of new media and the expansion of material information. They become the connectors, the facilitators, and the catalysts for knowledge exchange.

In conclusion, the concepts of looking broader, looking closer, and thinking younger are all interconnected and essential in the world of design and innovation. By adopting these approaches, we can uncover new perspectives, challenge the status quo, and find innovative solutions to problems. Additionally, embracing the role of a curator allows us to contribute to the curation economy, enriching our nicheworks and fostering knowledge exchange. To apply these concepts in our own lives, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Take a step back and examine the bigger picture when facing a problem. Look at the various steps leading up to the problem and consider how they can be modified or eliminated to create a better solution.

2. Pay attention to the smallest details and question their importance. Challenge the notion that things should be done a certain way just because they have always been done that way. By doing so, you may uncover opportunities for improvement.

3. Embrace diverse perspectives and encourage the participation of young minds. Surround yourself with individuals from different backgrounds and age groups to foster a culture of innovation. Embrace the fresh perspectives that come from those who haven't yet habituated to certain experiences.

By incorporating these practices into our design processes and everyday lives, we can become better problem solvers, creators, and innovators. Let us remember Picasso's words, "Every child is an artist. The problem is when he or she grows up, is how to remain an artist." By adopting a mindset of constant curiosity and embracing the role of curators in the curation economy, we can ensure that we never lose our ability to think creatively and find new solutions.