Friday’s general session included a very diverse group of speakers. There were representatives from LPK Cincinnati, Hewlett Packard, as well as Hong Kong Polytechnic. Lorraine Justice from HK Polytechnic presented a wonderful and interesting observation of China from a westerner’s perspective. During her presentation she explained the positive growth and change of the Chinese labor force and alluded to increased quality standards for laborers. This was a foreshadowing of China’s manufacturing evolution. It is shifting from the low cost alternative to a modern manufacturing entity. The number of low end manufacturers in China are on the decline, having alternatives now in Vietnam and other South Asian countries. Along with this shift comes the increase in labor and transportation costs. This, however, is having a positive effect on China’s labor force and is strengthening the standard of living for laborers.
On the other side of the globe, LPK from Cincinnati presented a brief introduction to trend forecasting. There were a variety of concepts from the social realm, as well as technology specific trends that will be affecting the product design world. For example, LPK discussed the emergence of a global middle class that is heavily affecting consumerism on a large scale. They also brought focus to the current “greening” of brands and the diminshing ability to differentiate between them. On the technology side, there were diverse examples ranging from purity (in form and perception) to the blur between the offline and online world. It was an eye opening view of emerging technologies and social trends.
One of the more relevant and impactful presentations was from John Guenther of Hewlett Packard. His presentation was detailed observation and analysis of the growth and emphasis on design within their product development process. There were very detailed examples of challenges they had faced, and overcame, to make design an integral part of the process. Design should contribute to the business success, yet it should do so without sacrificing art. Guenther explained the importance of utilizing well researched design as a strategic tool for growing a successful product line that departed from the conventional. A major challenge was to move away from producing an idea and looking for a fitting market.