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Ideas Lounge Event 21 May 2009As part of the ECONetwork feasibility study, EDC ran the “Ideas Lounge” event on 21st May, 2009. The ECONetwork study aims to assess the scope and potential for ecodesign and eco-innovation knowledge exchange networks for the professional design sectors in Wales (UK). In the context of this study, professional designers include independent design consultants and in-house designers in manufacturing companies. The event was held at the Norwegian Church Arts Centre in Cardiff and attended by a number of designers from the Swansea, Cardiff and Mid-Wales areas. The event was a great success setting a strong basis for future network development. Speakers invited to the event to share experiences and know-how included Jonathan Crinion (Crinion Associates) and Rob Brown (Sprout Design). Jonathan’s presentation focused on some of the insurmountable problems related to climate change, peak oil and resource depletion. By putting these issues in the context of design practice, Jonathan was able to challenge attendees in terms of personal perspectives, commercial expectations and potential social/political complacency. Rob shared his personal experiences and the experiences of his agency in tackling the joint issues of sustainability and inclusive design. Rob put forward a strong case for making some of the complex issues of sustainability more tangible. By portraying an intelligent and design-led approach to sustainability, Rob managed to highlight the opportunities for agencies in Wales as well as their clients. During the event, EDC also ran the "60 minute design challenge" workshop. The workshop allowed for a greater depth of discussion on the topics of purpose / needs of the design sector, solutions/discussion of issues for the network to tackle, and ingredients (values, inspiration, action) for the network. The process for the workshop (with a 60 minutes duration) included generation of ideas using post-its and recording of these on flip chart sheets, discussions and prioritization, preparation of group summary / priorities (oral or visual format) and presentation back to the whole group. The workshop was about capturing the designer’s ideas and recording them; it was not about the facilitators or EDC’s opinion. EDC has received very positive feedback from the event and is currently planning the second ECONetwork’s event for the month of July.
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