On the hunt for innovation. Lectures in Berlin
When it comes to innovation, we usually imagine it refers to something new, surprising and previously unheard of, or even something that is still considered unthinkable – and this assumption also prevails in the world of design. However, in economic terms we can only say that something is an innovation once its usefulness has been recognised, and it has resulted in a corresponding product, process, service or business model. It may be that the benefits or value of an innovation are not immediately evident, and only come to light some time down the track. Anyone taking a serious look at the subject of innovation will, therefore, also delve into the past to see how previous generations solved problems that are still relevant today, albeit under different technological, political, economic or social conditions. The “designtransfer” transfer point and gallery at the Berlin University of the Arts Design Faculty will host several lectures dedicated to the question of how good ideas from the past can be transformed into solutions for a meaningful and sustainable way of life. As part of the Conservation for Innovation series, on 7 November British design consultant Jane Whithers, Dutch researcher Carolien Niebling and Swedish designer Jonas Pettersson will discuss how we can make use of suitable ideas from the past. The lecture series will continue on 10 December with Mexican product and material designer, Fernando Laposse.
