The 2012 Design Manifesto

Read It, Believe It;
No Matter How Hard the Reality Is…
Vada a Bordo, Cazzo!

Supporting a Creative Economy: Munich und Bayern, February 7-12, 2012

As national and cultural entities thrive in a globalised economy, they face an interesting balancing act between being reaping the benefits of diverse voices and influences while highlighting their assets and identity. Many advocates of economic development are turning to Design for affirmation. XCD continues to follow the interaction between municipalities and engaged citizens using design. Our latest article covers the Munich Creative Business Week (MCBW) scheduled for February 7-12, 2012 and is based on an interview with Bayern Design, the principal event organiser.

If you’re cruising through The Continent looking for Design Inspiration or have some frequent flyer miles you need to cash in, this might be worth checking out…

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Welcome to 2012

Time to turn the page and a new leaf! Many thanks to Francois Caspar for this beautiful poster

The Power of Window Dressing

In this 7 metre wide textile work named Grisgris-Blanc, Abdoulaye Konaté reflects on Malian writer Massa Makan Diabaté’s comment, “the guinea fowl spreads out its colours over its plumage and man keeps them in his heart”. Grisgris-blanc merges political commentary and traditional craftsmanship using inspiration from the striking plumage of the Guinea Fowl, famous in Malian tales, legends, theatre and literature. The artist sees this treatment as a commentary on the ambiguous position heads of governments take with respect to religion.

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How to sell Design Research: SonicRim

SonicRim’s Uday Dandavate pitches the value of Design Research: succinctly and persuasively…

Design Research. The roadmap and justification for our creative activity, the underpinnings of creative work in the commercial realm. Many designers have a love/hate relationship with Design Research, which they erroneously see as an impediment to the creative impulse.

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XCD does Taipei: Taipei101 & Damper Babies!!

In our previous post you probably noticed the elegant spire rising out of the sky. That’s Taipei 101, the City’s Pride and Joy–especially on New Year’s Eve. Until the January 2010, Taipei 101 was the Tallest Building in the World.

Aside from the obvious publicity effort that goes with a unique landmark, how do you assure the Public that this feat of engineering ingenuity is safe in earthquake-prone Taiwan? The Answer: Damper Babies!

Check out how the Tapei 101 communications team translates hard engineering data and dry facts into an endearing, loveable animation that is appreciated by young and old alike.

ps: Can you say Brand Extension? These Babies get around! Follow their adventures in shopping and promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Robert Peters Does Taipei: 早安 Taiwan!

As part of XCD’s series in covering Design in Taiwan, we go to Robert L. Peters, past President of Icograda (2001-2003). 謝謝, Rob!

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XCD does Taipei: a Few Facts on Formosa

Taiwanese designer Tien Min Liao who currently works in New york created this awesome book called Ilha Formosa which introduces Taiwan via infographics.

Why
“When I came to the United States, I noticed that many people don’t know my hometown Taiwan. Some people even cannot tell the difference between Taiwan and Thailand, just because they sound alike. As a designer, I think I should do something to promote this beautiful island.”

Challenge
“I would like to do something very different from the other books about Taiwan. It would definitely not be a tourist guide, nor a boring government-published book. It should be interesting and casual, but also clear in delivering the information about Taiwan.”

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XCD Does Taipei: The IDA Recap

Getting a comprehensive recap of the 3-day event is an overwhelming task, but fortunately this is where partnerships make all the difference. In collaboration with XCD media partner DESIGN> Magazine based in South Africa, we offer you an op-ed recap of the 3-day conference that for the first time united the 3 major Design organisations in a body known as the International Design Alliance (IDA).
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XCD does Taipei

XCD has been on the road, time to catch up and give account!

In the next few entries, we’ll be covering our experience of Design In Taiwan, through the lens of the IDA congress. In the meantime, take a virtual tour of the event by clicking on the image below: