President's Message
Dear Member:
An interior designer is constantly involved in research analysis - exploring new products, innovations in technology, the latest business approaches, and so on. As an educator, I am committed to creating an environment that promotes critical thinking in the classroom as well as encouraging my students to feel inspired when looking for future resources to further their education. I am regularly looking for opportunities to enrich my knowledge of design.
In June, I attended an interactive presentation and workshop with a group of design professionals. The main discussion evolved around how the physical environment can facilitate or inhibit behaviors that are linked to creative function and innovation. The presenter pointed out that "creativity is the new productivity." She did so by highlighting that creative thinking is important to business organizations and their survival in the 21st century. There are studies that discuss the influence of outside forces in the creative process. These forces can be the aging process (children have been found to think more creatively than adults); the environment we live or work in; our attitude or mood; and cultural background to name a few.
We were reminded that the human brain reacts positively to joyful moods, to the view of nature, to laughter, and to the lack of stress or chaos. Creativity enhancers may be formed by finding a place to rest our minds, by engaging in physical activity, by building a "mental toy box" (think of Google's workspace), by listening to the sounds of water, or listening to Mozart. All of these can stimulate the non-conscious mind (where our thought process begins) and increase the creative ideation process. As designers we must be aware of how our minds react to the environment in order to recommend interiors that promote our health in addition to enhancing our creativity.
After the presentation, the larger group was divided into teams; each team was given a short program/company's description and asked to create a "thing" using a variety of craft supplies, such as tape, colorful pipe cleaners, sticks, and more. The exercise proved the value of teamwork in the process of creativity; emphasizing that although we may think differently as individuals, the significance of each team member's input enriches the process of discovery of the solution to the problem.
I have also found an amazing energy when discussing ideas in groups. This is evident by the support of ASID members in the chapter's events when we gather to offer input regarding a general discussion. Creating connections, partnerships, and brainstorming in groups enhance our ability to better impact our role in society.
This month a group of designers will gather to train for the NCIDQ practicum exam. A partnership with IIDA Cleveland Akron City Centers allowed our chapter to secure enough participants to bring a distinguished facilitator to Cleveland.
The chapter's Annual Meeting is in the planning stages for September 11th - an exciting chance to meet colleagues and enjoy an original and trendy venue in Cleveland. We are looking for companies to sponsor our annual meeting as well as your attendance at the event. Please let us know if you are able to help out. Watch for your invitation soon.
ASID Ohio North and AIA Cleveland have also started planning the Design Awards Competition and Gala for later in the year (more details to come soon; get your projects ready to submit.)
As always, thanks for your support.
Best Regards,
Cristina McCarthy, MS, Allied ASID
ASID Ohio North President 2012-2013