A great panel interview with guests:<\/p>\n
Monty Montague \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Co-founder and Design Principal, BOLT Group<\/a> The concept of using innovation in business has gained popularity in this difficult economy. Companies are working to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153gain a competitive edge\u00e2\u20ac\u009d by being more creative and innovative about the products and services they provide.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n A few comments on the\u00c2\u00a0 balance of risk, not too much on accepting the possibility or\u00c2\u00a0 consequences of failure. They talk a little about the willingness of people\/organization to accept change or be comfortable with new innovation\/innovative thought – it’s more then just difficult. Good overview of some different strategies at approaching innovation or introducing it to newcomers.<\/p>\n It’s unfortunate to see businesses now “finding” out that design practice is something that can be introduced throughout the process and not just “lipstick on a pig” or to be ascertained only at the tail-end of the process. With the change in climate and the economic pressure it is a good time as any for design to be brought into the forefront to help change what has been longstanding ideology and practice. It’s not a silver bullet for all the problems but it can be a good way to get people and organizations out of their comfort zone and be more forward thinking about their product or industry as well as their customers.<\/p>\n I had a great chuckle when there was this awkward momentary pause as the panel was asked whether it was easier to “teach” an artist\/designer about business or a business person about design… coming from both I knew exactly what was mulling in their head.<\/p>\n
\nPaul Wetenhall \u00e2\u20ac\u201c President, Ben Craig Center Business Incubator<\/a>, UNC Charlotte
\nBarbara Spradling \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Director, Innovation Institute, McColl Center for Visual Art<\/a><\/p>\n