Discipline Convergence

• By: Ellen Lupton
• | Monday December 18, 2006

Over the last three years, I have been seeing more convergence between various design disciplines. ReadyMade, Make, and Howtoons are using graphic design to communicate new do-it-yourself design philosophies. Companies like Blik are creating products that are graphics (and graphics that are products).

Designers are producing tools and materials as well as end products. Casey Reas and Ben Fry, creators of Processing, are making software for other artists to use, while the bloggers at SpeakUp have created a social space for designers. The creators of Sensitile and Panelite are making materials to be implemented by other architects and designers.

We’d love to hear how designers from various fields see their disciplines changing.